Cheng Hoe: We’re in positive mood ahead of tough ties
PETALING JAYA: Beating Tajikistan is the perfect morale booster for the national team, and coach Tan Cheng Hoe wants them to do better for the upcoming 2022 World Cup-2023 Asian Cup qualifying matches.
The world No. 158 Harimau Malaya edged 10-man Tajikistan, who are ranked 116th in the world, 1-0 thanks to Safawi Rasid’s 72nd-minute winner at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday.
The 51-year-old coach said the win was the tonic they needed as they prepare for the clash against Thailand (Nov 14) and Indonesia (Nov 19) in Group G.
“It was a motivational win because Tajikistan are not a small team that can be beaten easily. Our players did well even though we made some changes as some were feeling tired ... they were giving their best because the intensity was good compared to previous matches,” said the former international.
“In the first half, we almost conceded a few times ... I see that we still have a lot of work to do and to improve our defence.”
Cheng Hoe made six changes to the starting XI from the team which lost 0-1 to Vietnam in Hanoi last month with Khairulazhan Khalid, Baddrol Bakhtiar, Nor Azam Azih, Syamer Kutty Abba, Syahmi Safari and Akhyar Rashid were given a chance to prove themselves.
The first half saw both teams struggling to break the deadlock and it ended scoreless before the drama in the second half.
Tajikistan were reduced to 10 men after goalkeeper Rustam Yatimov was red-carded for handling the ball outside the box in the 46th minute.
The introduction of Safawi and midfielder Brendan Gan added more bite to the attack as Tajikistan struggled with a man down.
Safawi finally broke the deadlock with his well-taken strike inside the box.
Seasoned hand Baddrol failed to stamp his mark after a two-year hiatus but Cheng Hoe said the Kedah skipper did okay in his return.
“Baddrol did well as a defensive midfield role, at the same time he also brings calmness to the team ... he’s a player that the juniors look to for guidance,” explained Cheng Hoe.