No decision on North Korea match

TODAY’S press briefing by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in Bukit Jalil has raised a question mark over the new date and venue for the postponed Asian Cup Group B match between Malaysia and North Korea.

The match in Pyongyang was scheduled for March 28 but it was postponed due to the tension between both nations following the assassination of Kim Jong-nam, the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un on Feb 13 at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

AFC secretary-general Datuk Windsor Paul, however, said the Asian body are still waiting for proposals from Malaysia and North Korea over the alternative venue for the match.

“We are still waiting for proposals, so tomorrow it will not be announced,” Windsor said yesterday.

Last week, FA of Malaysia (FAM) general-secretary Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin said AFC were also looking to move the second round match between the two countries in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 14 to a neutral venue.

FAM have requested for a neutral venue following a directive from the Malaysian government, citing security reasons.

Hong Kong and Jordan, who will play against each other on March 28, are the other two teams in Group B, where the top two teams qualify for the 2019 Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates. rates Felda highly and has warned his players not to underestimate Sathianathan’s team.

“If we play the way we did against Tampines then I believe we have a bigger chance to win. My players are ready and confident for a second win in the tournament,” said Vidakovic.