Malaysia’s players during training at Aung San Stadium in Yangon. — Bernama photo
YANGON: Harimau Malaysia must roar for victory against Myanmar in the final Group B match of the AFF soccer Suzuki Cup at Thuwunna Stadium here Saturday – or go bust.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference Friday, national coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee said a victory against the ‘White Angels’ will certainly send them through to the semi-finals of the biennial football championship.
He does not underestimate the strength of the fast attacking home side besides receiving rapturous support from the terraces.
“Our players have played to packed stadiums back home in Malaysia but I believe that they can handle the situation nicely…Most importantly, we keep focused on what we need to do (during the match) …,” he said.
The Melaka-born coach revealed that his side is still trying to adapt to playing in the evening for the first time after two previous matches in the afternoon under scorching heat.
For the record, Malaysia beat Cambodia 3-2 in the opening group match on Nov 20 before losing 0-1 to Group B winners Vietnam in the second group match, three days later.
“Our boys are not fully recovered after playing two matches at 3pm under the blazing heat within the space of six days but we have our own recovery process and a lot things we do during the process to stay fit,” Kim Swee added.
Sharing his sentiments was national vice-captain Baddrol Bakhtiar who urged his teammates to give a commendable performance against Myanmar who only need a draw to advance to the semi-finals.
“We will be going all out when facing Myanmar despite high pressure playing before thousands of home fans and hopefully, our team will achieve a positive result,” said the Kedah midfielder.
Myanmar head coach Gerd Zeise, on the other hand, is wary of the major improvement shown by the national side after both sides shared the spoils in a scoreless draw in an international friendly match on May 28 at the same venue.
“I was also impressed to see Malaysia showcase a good performance against Vietnam in the second match on Wednesday and I expect it will be a tough game considering Malaysia desperately need a win to secure a place in the semi-finals,” the German said.
Echoeing Zeise’s views was skipper Yan Aung Kyaw who is seeking another victory after defeating Cambodia 3-1 in the second group match on Wednesday.
“Certainly we want to claim a victory before thousands of our supporters though we only need a draw to advance to the semi-finals,” said the Yangon United FC midfielder.
Both teams share three points after playing two matches but Myanmar have the upper hand in the standings based on a better goal advantage and therefore, Malaysia must winning today’s match to secure a place in the semi-finals.
Another Group B encounter Saturday sees group winners Vietnam, who have already claimed a place in the semi-finals, playing Cambodia at Wunna Theikdi Stadium in Naypyitaw. — Bernama