We must play smart against Vietnam, says super sub Ahmad Hazwan

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s super sub Ahmad Hazwan Bakri (pic) has urged his teammates to be on their toes against a tough Vietnam in the AFF Suzuki Cup final.

“We’re meeting a tough team in the form of Vietnam. We know that teams like Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam can be a little tricky. We have to be smart against them in the twoleg final,” said the Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) striker.

Ahmad Hazwan has yet to start a match for Malaysia but has been used as a substitute.

Instead of getting frustrated, he has devoted his time to extra practice during training sessions.

“I’m not getting much game time. In order to have match fitness and regain my touch, I do lots of shooting and control drills. Even after training, I will put in the extra hours to make sure I’m sharp.

“We already have quality attackers in this team. It’s all based on the coach’s assessment on whether I should play or not. To me, whoever is in the first XI, I will always support them,” said the 27-year-old Ahmad Hazwan.

Ahmad Hazwan has featured in four matches in the AFF Suzuki Cup and wants to break his duck by scoring in the final.

Malaysia coach Tan Cheng Hoe said Ahmad Hazwan is one of the sharpest strikers in training and hopes to see him score a goal in the tournament.

Malaysia play Vietnam in the two-leg final scheduled on Dec 11 in Kuala Lumpur and Dec 15 in Hanoi.