The Star Malaysia

Let’s roar like a tiger

Harimau Malaya positive of getting good result in second leg

- By T. AVINESHWAR­AN

PETALING JAYA: The Harimau Malaya are confident of gaining a good result in Bangkok and qualify for the final of the AFF Suzuki Cup.

Midfielder Syamer Kutty Abba said if the players continue their upwards momentum in Bangkok for the second leg of the semi-final against Thailand at the Rajamangal­a Stadium tomorrow ( 8pm Malaysian time), there is a chance for an upset.

The first leg at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil last Saturday ended in a goalless draw.

“Thankfully, we did not concede any goals in the first leg. If we score there (Bangkok), it would be tough for Thailand. We have to take our chances and score a goal or better, goals,” said Syamer.

“I guess we have to stick with the same strategy at Rajamangal­a. It is their home ground, but we believe we can do well,” said Syamer, who plies his trade with Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).

Syamer, who was the man-of-the-match in the first leg, said they dominated the match and were confident with their plays but should have done better with their chances.

The 21-year-old produced a virtuoso performanc­e in the middle of the park as he broke plays and set the tempo for Malaysia. He also made several key passes in the match and protected the backline with his well-timed tackles and intercepti­ons.

“Domination is good, but to win matches you need to score goals. In Bangkok, we have to bury them. We will play with the same tempo in the second leg.

“We want to get a good result for the Malaysian fans. The next 90 minutes will be crucial for us,” added Syamer.

 ??  ?? Let’s do it:Malaysia’s Syamer Kutty Abba (right) believes they can put Thailand under pressure in the second leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final at the Rajamangal­a Stadium in Bangkok tomorrow. — AP
Let’s do it:Malaysia’s Syamer Kutty Abba (right) believes they can put Thailand under pressure in the second leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final at the Rajamangal­a Stadium in Bangkok tomorrow. — AP

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