M’sia winger Sumareh keeps faith in fans

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian naturalised winger Mohamadou Sumareh believes the 80,000- odd crowd will motivate the national squad when facing reigning AFF Suzuki Cup champions Thailand in the semi-finals first leg at the National Stadium Bukit Jalil, tonight.

The 80,000- ticket allocation by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) for the match is reportedly sold out.

“I feel quite confident and excited that a huge crowd will turn out and it’s certainly an added boost for me and all the players to give our best against our opponents,” he told the pre-match press conference yesterday.

On another note, the Pahang player is not concerned about his goal scoring drought in the biennial tournament, but ready to put up a sterling performance before the sold- out crowd.

“I want to help the team to win first and if I manage to score a goal in tomorrow’s match, it would be a bonus for me,” added Sumareh.

Thailand’s leftback Korrakot Wiriyaudomsiri, on the other hand, said the War Elephants squad are ready to give their best tonight.

“We are totally fit, well-prepared and ready for tomorrow’s match and hopefully, it would be a lucky day for us to pick up a victory,” the Buriram United player said.

The return leg will be held at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on Nov 5. — Bernama