Malaysia coach aims to surprise Vietnam in AFF Cup clash

By Lam Thoa   December 11, 2021 | 01:12 am PT
Malaysia coach aims to surprise Vietnam in AFF Cup clash
Coach Tan Cheng Hoe in the World Cup qualification game between Vietnam and Malaysia in June 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Lam Thoa
Coach Tan Cheng Hoe is confident with a detailed plan to defeat Vietnam when the two teams go head to head in AFF Cup on Sunday.

"The results when Malaysia played Vietnam in AFF Cup 2018 final as well as World Cup qualifiers were not good. However, our goal is to surprise them this time," Tan said in the pre-match conference on Saturday.

After two wins against Cambodia and Laos, Malaysia are topping group B in AFF Cup this year. But their power can only be tested when playing defending champions Vietnam on Sunday.

In the four encounters in AFF Cup 2018 final and World Cup qualifiers this year, Malaysia lost three and drew one against Vietnam.

"Vietnam are a strong opponent. They have great defense, teamwork and excellent individuals. The important thing when you face such an opponent is that you have to stay focus every single minute.

Every coach aims for victory and I'm not an exception. The players need to follow the game plan, put all their energy into the game, switching effortlessly beween attack and defense. They also need to be confident and optimistic to perform their best. And most importantly, stay focused," Tan said.

Before playing Vietnam, Malaysia only have 20 players in the squad after four got Covid-19. The team have asked to add more players, but the organizers only allowed one more keeper to be added according to the regulation.

The Vietnam vs Malaysia game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday (Hanoi time) and will be reported live on VnExpress International.

 
 
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