ARCH-RIVALS SCRAP FOR BRONZE
Malaysia face old foes Indonesia with first-choice goalkeeper Azri doubtful
THE Young Tigers are psyched up for the Sea Games bronze medal battle against arch-rivals Indonesia at the My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi today.
Coach Brad Maloney said the majority of his players have recovered from minor injuries after the 1-0 extra-time loss to Vietnam in the semi-finals on Thursday.
However, first-choice goalkeeper Azri Ghani is doubtful after sustaining a pelvic bone injury following a collision with Vietnam’s Do Le Van in the semifinals.
Maloney said second-choice keeper Firdaus Irman Fadhil will likely play today.
“Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar,
Azrin Afiq Rusmini and Luqman Hakim Shamsudin are down with cramps.
“Except for Harith, the rest are not too serious. Hopefully, they will be ready for the match,” said Maloney.
“Azri is feeling sore and can hardly move. We wanted to replace him after the collision on Thursday, but he insisted on continuing.
“Overall, those available are ready for tomorrow’s match. We understand that the encounter means a lot to both nations.
“Harith and Azri are our key players, but we have reliable replacements if they do not recover ahead of the game.”
Maloney believes it will be a tough match considering the bitter football rivalry between both countries.
“I believe rivalries are healthy for the sport. And because of this rivalry, my players are extra motivated to bring home the bronze,” said the Australian.
Maloney added: “Indonesia, I believe, will be motivated as well to win the bronze.
“They have several quality players, and Saddil Ramdani, who plies his trade in Malaysia, can be very dangerous.” Indonesia will be without Firza
Andika, Ricky Kambuaya and Rachmat Irianto, who all picked up red cards in their semi-final defeat to Thailand on penalties, today.
Indonesia coach Shin Tae Yong admitted their absence would be a big blow to his team.
“The suspensions will have a big impact on our team, but the boys are still eager to fight and give their all,” said Tae Yong.
“We will get a good result if we play as one.
“Malaysia’s performance is unpredictable. Sometimes, they play good football, and sometimes, they do poorly.
“But we will be prepared for any Malaysian team that show up tomorrow.”