Teong Kim optimistic his boys will beat Tajikistan

Under-16 coach Lim Teong Kim is eyeing maximum points when Malaysia play Tajikistan in their AFC Championship opener at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow.

Three points in the bag will brighten Malaysia’s chances of progressing from Group A where they also have Thailand and Japan for company.

Teong Kim stressed that he is focusing on maximising the potential of his own team rather than worrying about the opponents’ strength.

“All of the teams competing in the final round of the AFC Championship are good and have their own strengths,” said Teong Kim.

“I believe both the teams have a chance to win the first game. To add to that, we have never played each other before.

“But based on the video analysis of their game during the qualifying rounds, I am confident we will be able to overcome the challenge on the condition that our players make full use of the chances that come their way.”

Tajikistan's 10-1 win over CIMBYFA in a friendly at Taman Pudu Ulu on Sunday revealed a team with a formidable midfield with good creativity.

Right winger Ibrokhim Zokirov was impressive as was team captain Emomali Ahmadhon who plies his trade with Division One club Lokomotiv-Pamir in Tajikistan.

The duo will have to be watched closely.

Tajikistan emerged as winners of Group B, which featured Syria, Oman and Maldives, in the qualifying rounds, and scoring 17 goals in total without conceding once.