Right tonic for Cheng Hoe’s men ahead of do-or-die clash
PETALING JAYA: A two-day break is seen as the right tonic for the national team as they gear up for their must-win AFF Suzuki Cup Group A match against Myanmar on Saturday.
The players reported for centralised training at the Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia in Nilai yesterday and were in high spirits. Prior to the break, the team were demoralised after losing 0-2 to Vietnam in their penultimate Group A match in Hanoi on Friday.
Malaysia coach Tan Cheng Hoe said the break was timely and they needed to recharge their batteries. The team have been in centralised training for three weeks before the AFF Suzuki Cup and played three matches in eight days.
“We broke camp after arriving in Malaysia on Saturday and I felt the break was good for the players. They spent time with their families after being away for nearly a month,” said Cheng Hoe.
“They are re-energised and are more motivated after spending time with their loved ones.”
The Harimau Malaya, who notched victories over Cambodia (1-0) and Laos (3-1), are currently third in Group A with six points from three matches.
Vietnam and Myanmar have six points after two matches but Myanmar topped the group with a better goal difference ahead of Vietnam, while Cambodia (two games) and Laos (three) are still without a point.
Cheng Hoe, 50, said his men would not be under undue pres- sure in the do-or-die match against Myanmar despite an expected capacity crowd at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday.
“Most of the players have the of experience playing in front of a big crowd, so I don’t think they’ll be overawed. In fact, I think they will thrive under thepressure,” he said.
The former international added that his players were fired up and his only concern was over attacker Mohamadou Sumareh, who is down with hamstring injury.
“Sumareh felt tightness on his hamstring after the Vietnam match but I believe he can shrug off his injury in time before the next match.”