LI JANE OUT TO BECOME FIRST MALAYSIAN WOMAN TO WIN WORLD CUP

PETALING JAYA: It is important for Malaysia to maintain the winning momentum when they host Laos in the second Group A match of the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow.

Malaysia were made to toil for long periods in the opening match against Cambodia last Thursday but eventually managed to bag three points, thanks to Norshahrul Idlan Talaha’s header in the 29th minute.

Malaysia can count on strong home support in Bukit Jalil and defender Aidil Zafuan Abdul Razak said they are all motivated to do their part to rise to the occasion.

“We hope to ride on the fan support to clinch our second win.

“We need to get all three points to make our mission easier as we have tougher opponents after that.

“On paper, we are ranked higher than Laos but we must not underestimate them,” said the 31-year-old, who is optimistic Malaysia can pull through from the group with a victory over Laos.

The Laotian side are ranked 181st in the world with Malaysia occupying 169th spot.

If Malaysia fails to clinch victory tomorrow, it will be a tough mission to finish among the top two in their group to reach the semi-finals.

After the Laos match, Malaysia have four days of rest before they take on favourites Vietnam in Hanoi (Nov 16). Malaysia play their last group game against Myanmar in Bukit Jalil on Nov 24.

Malaysia, former champions in 2010, are looking to reach the final at least.

At the last edition in 2016, Malaysia failed to progress from the group stage.

Meanwhile, defending champions Thailand got off to an explosive start by thumping Timor Leste 7-0 in a Group B match.

Singapore beat 2016 runners-up Indonesia 1-0 in another Group B match.