Tough test against Thais
youth coach Ong Kim Swee has warned his players not to get carried away with Wednesday’s fine 3-0 win over Indonesia as they prepare to face hosts Thailand in an AFC Under-23 Championship Group H qualifier today.
With Mongolia surprisingly holding Thailand to a 1-1 draw after scoring a late penalty, Malaysia are in the driving seat to qualify for the finals in China next year.
But Thailand remain a dangerous side as heavy rain made the going tough for the home team against Mongolia on a waterlogged National Stadium pitch in Bangkok.
“Confidence is high in the team but we cannot get carried away with the win over Indonesia as this is only the start,” said Kim Swee who had a troubled build up to the tournament with players not being made available by clubs.
“After Mongolia held Thailand anything can still happen in this group.
“Thailand remain the team to beat as only the bad weather and pitch conditions hampered their game.”
Kim Swee could be forced into making at least two changes for today’s match after goalkeeper Ifwat Akmal Chek Kassim and forward Syafiq Ahmad suffered hamstring and groin injuries respectively in the win against Indonesia.
The coach also has to factor weather conditions into his calculations though Kim Swee hopes to keep changes to a minimum.
“I will devise two systems of play for tomorrow’s match depending on whether it rains or not,” said Kim Swee, who noted how Thailand struggled against a physically-imposing Mongolian team.
“We have to adapt to the weather and the opposition and we have not really seen the true strength of Thailand.”
A draw against Thailand would suit Malaysia, who then must beat Mongolia on Sunday to ensure finishing top of Group H and earn direct qualification for the finals.
Meanwhile, Thailand edged Malaysia 1-0 in the semi-finals of the AFF Under-15 Championship in Chonburi yesterday.
Jakkrapong Sanmahung headed in the only goal of the match for the hosts in the 18th minute to knockout Malaysia, represented by players from the National Football Development Programme.
Malaysia will face either Australia or Vietnam in the playoff for third and fourth places tomorrow.