DOUSE THE DRAGONS’ FIRE

Harimau Malaya told to keep cool and sink their fangs on the prize

CENTRE-BACK Aidil Zafuan Radzak has warned his teammates not to fall for Vietnam's provocations in tomorrow’s AFF Cup final return leg in Hanoi.

The 31-year-old hopes everyone will keep their cool and also avoid retaliating against the Golden Dragons’ aggressive style of play.

Calling it as a tactical ploy by Vietnam coach Park Hang Seo to rattle Harimau Malaya, Aidil said: “We need to focus on winning the top prize and in order to do that, we cannot fall for their trap.

“In the first leg, Vietnam players were rough and some of us got angry. I hope we will be able to maintain our cool. They will work very hard and also chase for every ball,” said Aidil before leaving for Hanoi with his teammates at the KLIA in Sepang yesterday.

“Our coach (Tan Cheng Hoe) has also touched on the importance of being mentally strong in Hanoi to overcome all adversities.”

In the first leg on Tuesday, Malaysia gallantly fought back from two goals down for a 2-2 draw in Bukit Jalil.

Aidil, who has featured in six matches in the tournament, said: “If we can beat Thailand then we can beat any team, so overcoming Vietnam is not an impossible dream.

“I do not want to see a repeat of the first leg where we conceded first. We need to score first in Hanoi to put pressure on them.

“We need to be a step ahead in the return leg.

“I believe we will give Vietnam a good fight. Of course, Vietnam have the advantage in terms of away goals, but I believe we can turn the tide on them,” he said.

Aidil also revealed that he is now 100 per cent fit and is ready to play in Hanoi.

He missed the first leg in Bukit Jalil on Tuesday after picking up a hamstring injury against Thailand in the semi-finals.

Left-back Syazwan Andik has also returned to full fitness from a similar injury while right-back Syahmi Safari will also be available after serving a one-match suspension in the first leg.

With a full strength defensive line-up, national coach Tan Cheng Hoe will have solid unit to take on Vietnam.

BERNAMA PIC Malaysia players acknowledge the fans after the match against Vietnam in the AFF Cup final first leg match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Tuesday.