Cheng Hoe needs more time to fix national team

KUALA LUMPUR: There will be no quick fix.

National coach Tan Cheng Hoe has pleaded with fans to give him more time to get things right after Malaysia were held to a 2-2 draw by Mongolia in an “A” international friendly at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Thursday.

Cheng Hoe insisted there were plenty of positives to take from his newly assembled side despite seeing Malaysia’s winless run being stretched to 11 matches since November 2016.

“I can’t fault the players’ efforts. They have given their best, that’s the most important thing,” said Cheng Hoe.

“Overall, we played well. The team were moving the ball, passed well, created plenty of chances and had many attempts at goal. I thought we were unlucky to hit the crossbar a couple of times.

“It may not be the result that we wanted, but I’m upbeat that we can get better in the coming matches.

“There’s nothing much we could do with only two to three days of preparation. The players need more time to gel together.”

Malaysia were in control and led twice during the game through Mongolian captain Turbat Daginaa’s own goal and debutant Akhyar Abdul Rashid’s sensational strike.

But the back four led by Fadhli Shas were a letdown as lapses of concentration saw them concede soft goals.

It’s not all gloom and doom, however, as 18- year- old winger Akhyar provided the spark with his impressive display after being sent in to replace Mahali Jasuli.

“Akhyar is a talented player. Despite being the youngest in the team, he played confidently and was brave in taking on opponents,” said Akhyar.

Asked if the young lad was going to feature in the starting line-up against Lebanon for the upcoming Asian Cup qualifier next Tuesday, Cheng Hoe said: “We prefer not to expose him too much for now, we intend to give him the minutes game by game.

“We hope he develops well.” After the Lebanon game, Malaysia will play Nepal in another friendly on April 1.

There’s nothing much we could do with only two to three days of preparation. The players need more time to gel together. Tan Cheng Hoe