No more mistakes
Leftback Syazwan knows he needs to be more composed against Myanmar
PETALING JAYA: His marauding displays on the left may have caught the eye of the fans but for all his attacking bravado, Malaysian leftback Muhammad Syazwan Andik seems to shirk from his defensive duties at times.
A key attacking outlet in national coach Tan Cheng Hoe’s tactical system, the 22-year-old player links well with the attackers but Syazwan said he has made mistakes defensively during the AFF Suzuki Cup campaign.
“I have started three games. Game by game, you have to improve but I have made mistakes especially in the game against Vietnam. I should have been more composed during their counter attacks,” said Syazwan.
“For the next game, I have to be more patient with my approach. South-East Asian teams are known for their counter-attacking prowess and against Myanmar, I have to be on my toes if they launch quick breaks,” added the player, who plies his trade for Kuala Lumpur in the Super League.
The Johorian realises that this Saturday’s encounter will be an open affair as Myanmar, with eight points in the group, will only need a draw to qualify for the semi-finals.
On Tuesday, they held Vietnam to a goalless draw at the Thuwanna Stadium in Yangon.
Malaysia, on the other hand, will have to beat Myanmar to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament.
“Obviously, the objective is to qualify for the knockout stages.
“As a player, it is a dream to win something for your nation. Against Myanmar, we want to do our best.
“The coach has not briefed us on the game plan yet but we would like to assure the fans that we will give our 100 %.”
Under Cheng Hoe, Syazwan has started in all Malaysia matches. Known for his set-piece abilities and crosses, the former Johor Darul Ta’zim II player was first selected for national duty in March.
Since then, he has featured regularly for the national team. He is also a regular fixture for Datuk Ong Kim Swee’s national Under-23 team.