Malaysia have 100-goal mark in their sights
MALAYSIA could become the fourth team to hit the goal century mark in the AFF Cup when they start their Group B campaign in Yangon on Nov 20.
The national team, who have participated in every AFF Cup since 1996, have scored a total of 98 goals (including two own goals by opponents) in the history of the competition.
Malaysia’s best ever tally was recorded in the first edition in Singapore in 1996 with 18 goals, followed by 16 in the 2004 and 13 two years ago.
The only time Malaysia did not score a goal was in the 1998 edition, where the team were ousted in the group stage.
Indonesia top the standings in term of goals scored with 132 so far, followed by Thailand (126) and Vietnam (113).
Ong Kim Swee’s side are likely to achieve their century mark when they play Cambodia in the opening match in Yangon on Nov 20.
Only three players, who contributed to Malaysia’s goal tally in the previous editions, are in the current training squad.
Forwards Safee Sali, Amri Yahyah and Norshahrul Idlan Talaha have scored 18 goals among them, and the trio will be on fire to make an impression in Yangon.
But for Kim Swee, achieving the 100-goal mark is not so much of a priority as he is focused on getting the players prepared for the tournament.
The coach has done his homework on his team’s Group B opponents Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar, drilling his trainees accordingly to counter their pace and pressing game.
The team trained for the first time at 3pm in Kelana Jaya yesterday in a move to adapt with the humidity before they head to Yangon. Malaysia’s matches against Cambodia (Nov 20) and Vietnam (Nov 23) will be played in the afternoon.
Kim Swee is also making use of a drone to record training from aerial view to analyse his team’s formation and tactics.
But Perak midfielder Nasir Basharuddin may not make the final 23-member squad due to a persistent groin problem. Kim Swee said Nasir will go for a scan today.
“He needs between seven and 14 days to make a full recovery,” said Kim Swee.
Ong Kim Swee