Cheng Hoe: Let’s seize the moment
KUALALUMPUR: Malaysia must use their home ground advantage and grab as big a cushion as possible when they face reigning champions Thailand in the AFF Suzuki Cup semi- final, first-leg tie at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil, tonight.
Harimau Malaya head coach Tan Cheng Hoe has called on his men to forget about their clean record at the stadium, having not lost at home in the early rounds, and to focus on giving it their all against the free- scoring War Elephants, who plundered 15 goals in the group stage.
“Records mean nothing when we play tomorrow as the fans expect us to get a comfortable cushion we can take to Bangkok for the return leg (at the Rajamangala Stadium on Dec 5).
“We all know that Thailand are strong in every position, but I hope my men can get a positive result tomorrow,” Cheng Hoe told the pre-match press conference here yesterday.
The coach, 50, also hoped that his defenders, who conceded three goals in the four group matches, would be able to keep the Thai frontline at bay.
Thailand head coach Milovan Rajevac, meanwhi le, has chal lenged his men to end Malaysia’s perfect home record and secure a place in the final.
“Our style of play is the same, whether we play at home or away.
“The players must stay focused throughout the match and hopefully we can end Malaysia’s unbeaten home record tomorrow,” said the 64-year- old coach.
For the record, Malaysia beat Thailand 3- 2 in the second- leg final of the 2014 edition in Bukit Jalil. But Thailand still went on to lift the Cup for the fourth time following their 2- 0 first-leg win in Bangkok. — Bernama