National futsal squad gear up for SEA Games

SEPANG: A f ter a credible per formance in a Chinese championship, the national futsal squad are to play two international friendlies in their preparation for the 29th SEA Games Malaysia will host from Aug 19 to 30.

“We will have two international match friendlies in Kuala Lumpur, but the teams haven’t confirmed yet. The matches may be held in July or August,” said Chiew Chun Yong, head coach of the national futsal squad, at the KL International Airport upon their return today from China.

The s quad wer e pl ac ed third among the four teams t h at pa r t icipat ed in t he Chinese Football Association 2 017 I nternat ional Futsa l Championship in Hunan that was played on a round-robin basis.

Malaysia, ranked 69th in the world, drew 3- 3 with 20th-ranked Czech Republic, beat 49th-ranked China 5- 4 and lost to 64th-ranked England 0- 5.

“It was a good result drawing with the Czech Republic who were the highest- ranked team in the tournament. If we had not missed our golden chance in the last minute, we might have created an upset by beating them.

“The same goes for the match against the Chinese team. Our boys also playe d and took their chances very well. Unfortunately, in the match against England, our team lacked a bit in the physical aspect, and fitness-wise as well,” said Chiew.

He said the championship was a good tournament to test the national squad’s strategic and tactical prowess. It was Malaysia’s maiden participation in the tournament.

Chiew said the shortcomings in terms of physical fitness would be addressed in the preparation for the SEA Games.

The 14 players who participated in the Chinese tournament are not the final list of players for the SEA Games, he said, adding that four more players would join the training beginning on Monday. — Bernama