TIGERS NEED TO SHOW THEIR STRIPES
Cheng Hoe’s men will have to find a way to get past Laos’ compact defence to secure a win
IT is time for Harimau Malaya to show their true colours when they take on Laos in their second AFF Cup Group B match at Bishan Stadium in Singapore today. The Laotians depend on their compact defence to frustrate their opponents, and their strategy could make it difficult for Malaysia.
Defending champions Vietnam had to dig deep before securing a 2-0 win over the Sticky Rice on Monday.
Coached by Singapore-born V. Selvaraj, Laos employed a 5-4-1 formation to frustrate Vietnam, and they are expected to park the bus again against Harimau Malaya.
Malaysia will have to be wary of Frenchbased striker Billy Ketkeophomphone, who had given Vietnam some anxious moments on Monday.
Tan Cheng Hoe’s side, although unimpressive, defeated Cambodia 3-1 with the goals coming from Safawi Rasid, Akhyar Rashid and Kogileswaran Raj.
Brazil-born striker Guilherme de Paula, who was criticised by fans for his poor form against Cambodia, will also be out to prove a point today.
Cheng Hoe said he has come up with an effective strategy after analysing Laos’ match against Vietnam.
“Laos have young players who are hard working. They are fighters and are not afraid of any team,” said Cheng Hoe yesterday.
“They were very disciplined against Vietnam. However, we have confidence on our side after the Cambodia win.
“Laos striker Billy looks dangerous, and he works well with his teammates. Their defence is compact. We need to work around their game to outsmart their defence and score goals.”
Cheng Hoe said the performances of his substitutes — Kogileswaran, Luqman Hakim Shamsudin, Arif Aiman Hanapi and Shahrel Fikri Fauzi — on Monday will offer him options for the game.
As for De Paula, the coach added he is still an asset to the team.
“De Paula is eager to perform. It could be his turn to score tomorrow. Our substitutes, who did well against Cambodia, could play a role against Laos, depending on our strategy.”