Cheng Hoe concedes Vietnam have ‘rest’ advantage
winning at football is all about having “enough rest”, it doesn’t bode well for Malaysia who play Vietnam in the AFF Cup in Hanoi on Friday.
Taking into account the “rest factor” and home advantage, national coach Tan Cheng Hoe admitted that Vietnam have an advantage.
He feels that Vietnam are better rested than Malaysia, having played a match less than the visitors.
Malaysia have already played, and won their two matches (against Cambodia, 1-0, and Laos, 3-1) while 2008 champions Vietnam have only played once, an easy 3-0 win over Laos on Thursday.
The Harimau Malaya had played Laos on Monday before travelling to Hanoi yesterday.
A win over Vietnam will secure them a semi-final ticket. But that is a tall order as Vietnam, at World No 169, are ranked 67 places above Malaysia.
Cheng Hoe said: “Vietnam have a chance to analyse Malaysia’s two matches and have an advantage in terms of rest.
“Maybe they have better fitness level. But I hope our players can continue their winning momentum.
“We really have to be more focused and more tactical because everyone knows that Vietnam are favourites to qualify for the next round.”
Cheng Hoe said he is monitoring the fitness level of Gambiaborn naturalised winger Mohamadou Sumareh, who was not fielded against Laos.
“We will follow the advice of the doctors regarding Sumareh’s hamstring. Hopefully we will be able to make a decision in two days.”
Malaysia, who won the AFF Cup in 2010, are currently top of group A with six points and will play Myanmar in their final group match on Nov 24.