Expect more changes to the national squad before head coach Tan Cheng Hoe settles for his team for the AFF Suzuki Cup competition in November-December.
The former international is still “searching” for players with the killer instinct up front and defenders who can tighten things up in defense.
Cheng Hoe was commenting after Malaysia went down narrowly 1-0 to Kyrgyzstan in an A international friendly played at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Melaka on Tuesday.
Despite crippled by injuries to several key players in the squad, Malaysia ranked 171 did reasonably well against Central Asia team ranked 91. It was a lapse in concentration in the backline that allowed substitute Sagynbaev Bezkhan to net the winner in the 68th minute.
“I have identified the weaknesses and also the players who could make the national team a better side to face the challenge in the AFF Suzuki Cup,” said Cheng Hoe from Melaka.
“I must admit that it has been tough changing players in the national squad. This has affected the rhythm and players have not been able to gel…as it takes time to build understanding.
“Still, I am optimistic we will be able to get the right blend in the team. The Malaysia Cup is my hope and I hope to identify players who could feature in my plans.”
The defeat to Kyrgyzstan came in the wake of Malaysia’s 4-1 win over Sri Lanka (ranked 199) in Colombo last week. That match also saw football history being written with Gambian-born Mohamadou Sumareh donning national colors as a naturalized player.
Sumareh, who plies his football trade with Super League outfit and FA Cup champions Pahang, has been residing in Malaysia for the past 12 years. However, Sumareh did not score against Kyrgyzstan on a night when “missed chances” was the order of the day for Harimau Malaya.
Malaysia’s next international A friendly is against the Maldives at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Nov 3. – BY RIZAL ABDULLAH
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