Malaysia looking for teams to play friendlies ahead of AFF Cup

PETALING JAYA: The national team are still scouting for a team for friendly matches to prepare for the AFF Cup from Nov 8-Dec 15.

National coach Tan Cheng Hoe had planned to play friendlies in July, September and October but has to rethink due to the spillover effect of the Russia World Cup from June 14-July 15.

Malaysia, the 2010 AFF champions, are drawn with Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos in Group A. The biennial tournament will be held in a round of home-andaway matches in the group stage for the first time in the competition.

Cheng Hoe, who ended Malaysia’s 12-match winless run with their biggest victory in 23 years by hammering Bhutan 7-0 in a friendly on April 2, said that proper preparation ahead of the AFF Cup campaign is crucial.

Harry Novillo (centre) salvaged a point for his team against Selangor in their Super League clash and has promised that he will get better with more matches under his belt.

He said he planned to have a centralised training camp in the first week of July without the players who will be involved in the FA Cup final scheduled for July 7.

“We have limited time to test out the players, so I will have to do with the players available for the centralised camp.

“My plan is to have a friendly in July and maybe if possible, two matches each in September or October before the AFF Cup,” said the former international yesterday.

“For the match in July, we’re still looking for a team but none could confirm as their local competitions are ongoing during the World Cup.

“This is the same situation we are in too. “We have a slot in the first week of July and I think there’s a need to use this slot for friendlies although we won’t have the players from the FA Cup finalists.”