Tan Cheng Hoe has a strong, strong message for his Harimau Malaya players – not to be lulled by Thailand’s counter attacks – when the two teams meet in the AFF Suzuki Cup first-leg semi-final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday.
Instead the national football head coach wants his team to “come out with their guns blazing” against the Thais – just like when they silenced Myanmar with a 3-0 win a do or die vital Group A match at the same venue.
While reiterating his call not to concede an away goal to Thailand, Cheng Hoe demands that his Harimau Malaya players “not to be lulled” by Thailand’s reputation as five-time winners of Asean’s premier biennial football tournament.
“The Thais are known for their fast counter attacks and ability to score from the opportunities they create from such situations. We need to be at our best and we need to be strong in defence,” said Cheng Hoe after a training session at the Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia in Nilai on Thursday.
“No team is unbeatable. Football comes with many surprises and even the giants can be slayed by the dwarfs on their day. This has been proven in the past in all levels of competitions throughout the world.
“Let us continue with the way we beat Myanmar to stay in contention. The win over Myanmar did not come easy and we do not expect an easy match against Thailand either.
“From what I have seen in training there is plenty ‘fire’ and ‘desire’ in the players. Whoever is fielded in the first team and whoever is on bench must understand that we are playing for the nation.
“National pride and dignity overrides everything. I have faith in the players and I am optimistic they are capable of delivering the goods.”
Cheng Hoe also gave broad hints that Farizal Marlias is set to keep his place as the first choice goalkeeper after his impressive performance between the posts.
“Farizal and Apek (Khairul Fahmi Che Mat) are experienced goalkeepers but whoever is picked will be on merit. A lot will be taken into consideration when I pick my first team,” added Cheng Hoe. – BY RIZAL ABDULLAH
