The battles lines for the do-or-die final Group A clash between Malaysia and Myanmar have been drawn. While Malaysia must win to advance, Myanmar only require a point to qualify for their second successive AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final appearance.
Tomorrow’s match is a repeat of the 2016 edition where Myanmar and Malaysia faced each other in the last group game. That match, played out in Yangon, saw midfielder David Htan score a stunning 89th minute goal for the hosts, sending Malaysia packing. This time around, the match will be staged in Malaysia where a massive crowd is expected to pack the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
“I was not around the last time (in 2016) but tomorrow is another day, it’s a new game. We have a full squad, there are no suspensions and no injuries, we are ready to go. In fact, we just can’t wait for the match in front of a full stadium,” said a smiling Antoine Hey. His relaxed demeanour could be taken as a sign of his team’s confidence and level of preparedness.
“We are not afraid of the crowd, on the field it’s 11 players against 11 players. For the boys, it will be a great opportunity to play in such an atmosphere. We will try hard to win but then the best team will proceed, that’s just the way it is.”
Like Hey, Malaysian coach Tan Cheng Hoe also spoke about the atmosphere. “It will be fantastic. Playing at home has the pressure but it also good motivation for the players. We must be careful not to make mistakes at crucial times.”
For Malaysia, the bitterness of the previous exit, could be forgotten with a victory tomorrow. But that will not be easy despite playing at home. “We need three points but it will not be easy against them. They have played well in their last three matches,” said Cheng Hoe.
Myanmar had proven their resilience and determination in the first two matches – against Laos and Cambodia – where they conceded goals before fighting back to win. Then there was the explosive tie against Vietnam. Myanmar, despite not playing with five first-choice players, defied the odds and performed remarkably to hold Vietnam.
David Htan, Myanmar’s hero of 2016 against Malaysia, was among those rested but he will be back in full force against Malaysia. For the record, David was voted the Honor Man-of-the-Match against Laos.
Malaysian goalkeeper Farizal Marlias declared that the team was mentally and physically ready. “We know it’s not going to be easy, but we are all going to give our best. We are mentally and physically prepared.”
In the other Group A game tomorrow, Vietnam will face Cambodia, who are already out of the running. The current standings have Myanmar in the lead with Vietnam trailing in second, but only on goal difference with Malaysia third on six points.
