Kim Swee needs smart plan for his ‘average’ side to upset China
SHAH ALAM: Can this “average” Malaysian Under-23 team surprise favourites China in Group J of the AFC Championships qualifiers?
Malaysia head coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee (pic) believes it is not impossible although they have a gargantuan task against a high-scoring China at the Shah Alam Stadium today.
China have lived up to their favourites’ tag by thrashing Laos 5-0 and the Philippines 8-0.
Kim Swee has admitted his team are only average.
“China have scored 13 goals in the tournament. That shows how good they are. Their coach Guus Hiddink has formed a team that is complete in every department,” said Kim Swee.
“We’re an average team but sometimes, average teams can cause an upset. As a coach, I’ve to come up with a smart plan to beat China.
“The objective for us is to qualify automatically for the tournament in Bangkok and to do that, we have to beat China. It’s not easy but not impossible too.”
Malaysia have won their group matches against Laos (1-0) and the Philippines (3-0).
Against Laos, Kim Swee surprised fans and even the opposi- tion’s coach V. Sundramoorthy when he made five changes to the line-up by taking out key players Safawi Rasid, Nik Akif Syahiran, Shahrul Nizam Ros Hani and Hadi Fayyadh Abdul Razak.
“The change did not bring the desired result. It was disappointing. We created chances but could not convert,” he said.
“But I did not want to take the risk by fielding the regular players, who have played many matches. I wanted the team to get ready against China.
“Even though we did not play well (against Laos), the boys got the three points. What’s important is we go into China’s game with six points.”
With midfielder Daniel Amier Norhisham out with an injury, Kim Swee said: “I will make changes depending on the situation. We’ve to be smart in our approach and be focused against them.”
If Malaysia lose to China, their chances of qualifying for the tournament will be slim.
Malaysia are already guaranteed at least second spot in the group but due to goal difference, Malaysia are unlikely to qualify through the best-four runners-up route.