AFF Cup final: We have to climb a high mountain, says Malaysian coach

By Lam Thoa, Thang Nguyen   December 14, 2018 | 05:31 pm PT
Malaysia has a tough task against Vietnam in the second leg final after conceding two goals on home ground, coach admits.

"We know that a 2-2 draw in the first leg means that Malaysia will have to climb a very high mountain. But our players won't surrender. We will give our everything for the game in My Dinh Stadium," Malaysian coach Tan Cheng Hoe said at the pre-match press conference Friday.

Malaysia head coach Tan Cheng Hoe in pre-match press conference of AFF Cup final second leg. Photo by Duc Dong/VnExpress.

Malaysian head coach Tan Cheng Hoe speaks at the pre-match press conference for the AFF Cup final’s second leg. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Dong

"Vietnam has the advantage, but we are still confident. Our players are very excited and looking forward to the game. Playing on My Dinh Stadium will be very different from our home ground. But our players can take any pressure from the crowd," Tan said.

Malaysian defender Aidil Zafuan also said that the players don’t mind playing at the My Dinh.

"I know My Dinh Stadium will be full of Vietnamese fans, but they are no match for our fans in Bukit Jalil Stadium. My Dinh’s capacity is just 40,000, so we have enough confidence to defeat Vietnam, regardless of their two away goals," Zafuan said.

Defender Aidil Zafuan in pre-match press conference. Photo by Duc Dong/VnExpress.

Defender Aidil Zafuan at the pre-match press conference. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Dong

Another Malaysian defender, Syazwan Andik, said Malaysia won’t let Vietnam win as they did in the group stage match.

"We will play better than the group stage match. We will not lose. Vietnam is a very strong opponent. They have the advantage. But we’ll try our best to come back and become champions," Andik said.

Malaysia come to Hanoi with a disadvantage of having let Vietnam score two away goals. This means Malaysia will have to win against Vietnam or draw with three goals and above to bring the cup home.

The last game of the tournament will begin at 7:30 p.m. Hanoi time. It will be reported live on VnExpress International.

 
 
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