Tan Cheng Hoe was hoping for a “plain and smooth sailing” training schedule for his 26-player AFF Suzuki Cup training squad but the unexpected has thrown a spanner in his plans before he names the final squad.
Saturday is “D-Day” when Malaysia’s plays Maldives in an A international friendly at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil but Kedah’s Akhyar Rashid will be a none starter for the match for sure.
The striker, who donned national colors in the AFC Under-19 Championships in Indonesia where Malaysia failed to make past the group stage, is a crucial player in Cheng Hoe’s match plans for their campaign in the Suzuki Cup.
Also on the injured list is Perak midfielder Kenny Pallraj but he is in Cheng Hoe’s list for the match against the Maldives.
“The groin injury is still irritating Akhyar and I don’t want to further aggravate it by fielding him against the Maldives. For now, he is still in the list of contenders for the final squad,” said Cheng Hoe.
“Akhyar is somewhat uncomfortable with the injury. We will see how things go from here. I will also get a final report from the doctor on Akhyar’s injury.”
“The three who will be dropped will only be decided after the match against the Maldives. There is no change in that. All aspects will be considered as only the fit will be selected…and on merit.”
Malaysia is in Group A and has Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos for a company. Group B is made up of Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Timor Lester.
Malaysia won the Suzuki Cup in 2010 – their only success in the biennial premier Asean football championships – and open this year’s campaign with an away match against Cambodia at the National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh on Nov 8. – BY RIZAL ABDULLAH
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