Cheng Hoe: Players need to be street-smart
coach Tan Cheng Hoe wants his strikers to be streetsmart when they take on the Thais in the AFF Cup semi-final return leg in Bangkok on Wednesday.
In the first leg on Saturday, Malaysia dominated proceedings, but they could not score in the 0-0 draw in Bukit Jalil.
The national team had 63.2 per cent possession, six corner kicks and 16 attempts at goal.
“I’m happy that we didn’t concede. My players played one of their best games in the tournament. They had good focus and intensity but unfortunately we missed a few chances.
“It will be tough in Bangkok. Our strikers need to be confident in finishing off chances. Sometimes, being a little street-smart will help strikers score goals.
“Thailand made one or two changes in the second half that prevented us from playing how we did in the first half.
“But overall we created plenty of chances compared to our previous games. We are now playing entertaining football and this is good.”
Cheng Hoe said his players also need be calm in the return leg at the Rajamangala Stadium.
“Thailand will not make much changes at Rajamangala. We, however, need to be tight in defence, and most importantly, take our chances in order to get a positive result there.
“In Bangkok, we will have to absorb the pressure but I feel that my players can go there and surprise people. I believe if we continue the same way, we will get the goal we want in Thailand.”
The 50-year-old coach may have to reshuffle his lineup as forward Mohamadou Sumareh and defender Syazwan Andik Mohd Ishak are down with injuries.
“Hopefully, Sumareh and Syazwan can recover from their hamstring problems as they are my key players. We will assess them,” he added.