Cheng Hoe wants M’sia to maintain momentum, intensity in Bangkok
BANGKOK: Malaysia will not adopt a defensive approach in tonight’s AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 semi- final return leg against Thailand at Rajamangala Stadium.
Coach Tan Cheng Hoe expects his charges to maintain their aggressiveness as what they have shown in the first leg match at Bukit Jalil Stadium last Saturday.
“We hope to continue the same level of momentum, intensity and desire although we missed several chances( during the first match ).
“We are confident of tomorrow’s match and in getting a positive result,” he said during the prematch media conference at Rajamangala Stadium yesterday.
Despite expecting Malaysia to maintain a high level of intensity in the second leg, Cheng Hoe is fully aware of Thailand’s attacking prowess, who have scored 14 goals so far in the group stage.
Cheng Hoe noted that Thailand are a balanced team with lethal forwards and sturdy backline.
“Thailand are strong attacking sides, we have to stop them from scoring goals and strike back against them,” he said.
He singled out Thailand top striker Adisak Kraisorn, who has eight goals under his belt, as the player to watch during the match.
Adisak, dubbed as AK9 by his fans is leading the chase for the Golden Boot ahead of Malaysia’s Norshahrul Idlan Talaha.
Cheng Hoe was also asked on the fitness of Gambian- born Mohamadou Sumareh and Muhamad Syazwan Andik, who were brought out at the later stage of the first leg match due to unspecified injuries.
He said that Sumareh had fully recovered and is likely to play, but Muhamad Syazwan is still a doubt.
The left back had shown improvement in training and will undergo a final check before he can join the others in the line up.
Meanwhile, Thai Serbia- born coach Milovan Rajevac said his team are aware of the tough task awaiting for them tonight, nonetheless, they are very motivated and determined to make the final.
He said, the team would switch to attacking mode tonight.
“We did not plan to play defensive ly during the first match, but we had to defend as Malaysia were playing aggressively,” he said, adding that the players are raring to go and up for the challenge.
Thai goalkeeper Chatchai Budprom meanwhile warned that Malaysia would experience a daunting atmosphere at the Rajamangala Stadium tonight, which he described a nightmare for the visitors.