Coach Hodak: We face uphill task against Myanmar

PETALING JAYA: National team coach Bojan Hodak admitted that Malaysia face an uphill task when they play Myanmar in a Group B clash of the AFF Under-19 championship tonight.

Malaysia need a win at the Gelora Joko Samudro Stadium in Gresik, Indonesia in order to get a favourable draw for the semi-finals.

Myanmar and Malaysia have seven points from three matches but the former top the group on better goal difference.

The Croatian coach added that injuries to striker Akhyar Rashid and fullbacks Gerald Gadit and Anwar Ibrahim, will be setbacks for his side.

“There is pressure on us now to win this game. Last year we beat Myanmar in a penalty shootout in the semi-finals but they seems to have a more offensive side this year. But defensively they are not that strong and we need to capitalise on it,” said Hodak yesterday.

Hodak’s boys started their campaign in Indonesia with a 2-0 win over Cambodia on Wednesday. Then they beat Brunei 2-0 on Friday for their second win but were held to a 1-1 draw by Timor Leste on Sunday.

The 47-year-old coach was disappointed his side could not beat Timor Leste.

“We played Timor Leste last November and beat them 3-1 but compared with that match we created much more chances yesterday but just could not score,” said Hodak.

“I am disappointed with the draw because we had several chances to score. At international level, you need to make sure that the chances end up as goals.

“The players did show improvement with ball possession but we need to work on fitness and pressing moves in the next two months before the AFC Under-19 championship,” he said.