GOLDEN DRAGONS IN HARIMAU MALAYA’S WAY

Malaysia cannot let Vietnam feel too comfortable at home

THE last two times Malaysia reached the final of the AFF Cup (2010 and 2014), Vietnam were the ones that got kicked out by the former in the semi-finals stage.

But this time around, the meeting between the teams comes much earlier — in the group stage.

Khairul Fahmi Che Mat played in both of those editions that saw Malaysia knocking out Vietnam but this time the veteran 29-yearold is well aware of the uphill task that awaits his team at the My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi.

Against the Golden Dragons, Malaysia will need to raise their game though Tan Cheng Hoe’s team did well to beat Cambodia (3-1) and Laos (1-0).

“As we all know, Vietnam are the favourites in our group. They are at home, so of course they want three points,” said Khairul.

“We have to be ready physically and mentally because we expect them to be on the attack. Vietnam are a good team with 2-3 years into the project.

“It’s not that we did not focus against Cambodia and Laos. We would not have won those matches if we did not. But against Vietnam, it’s of course different. We have to maintain our concentration throughout the 90 minutes.

“It will not be easy to beat them and that’s what we want to do. But every point is important in the group and if we go away with a draw, then that can still be considered a positive result.”

A draw will put Malaysia in a favourable position to qualify for the semi-finals with a final group match to be held in Kuala Lumpur against Myanmar on Nov 24.

In the last four AFF matches played at Hanoi between the two teams, Malaysia have won once, drew twice and lost the other. Khairul and his teammates will be looking to keep the good record going today.