TIGERS TOLD BE PATIENT FOR THE KILL

Wait for chances in War Elephants’ turf

NATIONAL coach Tan Cheng Hoe wants the Harimau Malaya to be smart in sniffing out goals against Thailand in the AFF Cup semi-final second leg at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok today.

The coach said if Malaysia can retain the same momentum, determination and fighting spirit from the first leg, he is certain they can overcome their unfavourable record in Bangkok to progress to the final.

“We know Thailand have a dangerous attacking front, they have scored 14 goals on their own turf in the AFF Cup campaign.

“I want my players to be prepared mentally and physically for the away match.

“I am convinced we can block them from scoring goals in 90 minutes of play and we will have to be patient in waiting for the best opportunity to punish them,” he said.

Cheng Hoe, who was the assistant coach when Malaysia won the AFF Cup back in 2010, is glad Gambia-born Mohamadou Sumareh is fit for the return leg but Syazwan Andik and Aidil Zafuan Abd Radzak are still uncertain.

Thailand coach Milovan Rajevac stressed his team are prepared for any situation should they be forced into a penalty shootout.

“All the players are aware of their responsibilities. The match is important for the fans. All the players are ready and in high spirit for the match,” he said.

“We are prepared and this time we will have the support of our own fans, so I am convinced we can produce positive result for this important match to reach the final,” he said.