Timor Leste are no pushovers, warns Hodak
NATIONAL youth coach Bojan Hodak has warned his players not to take Timor Leste lightly in today’s Asean Football Federation (AFF) Under-18 Championship Group A match at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon.
Malaysia and Thailand have collected six points each, but the former lead the group on goal difference.
Hodak’s side have been impressive with wins over Laos (4-1) and Singapore (3-1).
However, the Croat said today’s game could be tricky for his team. “It will be tough. Timor Leste did well in the 1-1 draw with Cambodia (yesterday). They are well-built and physically stronger than my players,” said Hodak in Yangon yesterday.
“They have no naturalised Brazilians, but it seems that they are more mature than our players.”
Hodak will continue to rotate his players, but goalkeeper Azri Abdul Ghani and striker Zafuan Azeman are definitely out from today’s match.
“Both players have picked up ankle injuries. I have to rotate due to the hectic schedule.”
The weather has not been kind to the participating teams as most matches in the evenings are played in the rain on waterlogged pitches.
“Our earlier matches at Aung San Stadium were in the afternoon where it was humid and dry.
“We will be playing for the first time at Thuwunna Stadium today, but it could be raining as our match is in the evening.
“I hope my players are prepared for this challenge. I think it will not be a problem as our players are used to playing in the rain in Malaysia,” Hodak added.
Laos will play Singapore, while Thailand play Cambodia in other group matches today.