CHENG HOE: MALAYSIA WILL KEEP ATTACKING IN BANGKOK

Cheng Hoe wants players to turn the screw on Thailand in Bangkok

PETALING JAYA: “We will play with the same intensity and tempo in Rajamangala.”

Those were the words of national coach Tan Cheng Hoe (pic), who has urged his charges to continue with their attacking verve but work on their composure in front of goal.

Thailand were put under pressure in the first leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final against Malaysia on Saturday as the hosts were relentless in their pursuit for goals.

However, Thailand stayed resolute to earn a 0-0 draw and Malaysia now face a mounting task in the second-leg at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on Wednesday.

Cheng Hoe expressed his happiness over their performance but acknowledged that Malaysia need to be more composed up front.

“The players played one of their best games in the tournament. They were spirited and focused and the intensity I demanded was there. But in a football match, you have to take your chances.

“The attackers were not composed in front of goal. If we want to get into the final, they will have to be patient and smart with their chances. Defensively, we did well and not concede a goal. Overall, our players are getting better each game.

“In Rajamangala, the atmosphere will be similar to Bukit Jalil and I believe the players can absorb the pressure. We will play entertaining football and hopefully surprise the fans there,” said Cheng Hoe.

When asked if Malaysia sorely lacks a pure number nine striker in the squad, he admitted that the squad lacks an instinctive striker but believes in the current set of attackers he has in his disposal.

“The positive thing we got from this game is we are creating chances. To get goals, you need chances. So, the players will have to continue attacking and get the goals in Bangkok,” said Cheng Hoe.

“Displays like this augurs well for the future. We all know Thailand is the best in the region but our per- formance yesterday showed that we could compete against the best.”

On Saturday, right winger Mahamadou Sumareh and left back Muhammad Syazwan Andik Mohd Ishak hobbled off injured as they both picked up a hamstring strain.

Cheng Hoe said the team have three days to assess the fitness of both players and hopes to see them recover fully for the game in Bangkok.

“The injuries are not that bad, but we will monitor them. We need both of them because they have been important. Sumareh has been playing well in his position while Syazwan is gaining confidence game-by-game.

“If they are not 100% fit on that day, we have players who can deputise for them. Nazirul (Naim Che Hashim) is an experienced leftback and he can handle the pressure.

“As for Sumareh, we have three players (Muhammad Shahrel Fikri Md Fauzi, Muhammad Akhyar Abdul Rashid and Ahmad Hazwan Bakri) who can replace him. They have played their part in our run and can give a good impact if brought on.”