It has been tough on national football coach Tan Cheng Hoe since the AFF Suzuki Cup competition got underway but he is taking all in his stride as Malaysia prepare for this Saturday’s crucial home match against Myanmar at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
 
He has not given much thought to the flak that has been thrown at him after the 2-0 defeat to Vietnam at the My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi last Friday. The defeat is not only painful for Harimau Malaya but has made things difficult for Malaysia as the team slumped to third place in Group A.
 
Malaysia must beat Myanmar (although the outcome of the Tuesday’s match between and Vietnam in Yangon will have a bearing) with Cheng Hoe steadfast in his style and football philosophy which the players have come to accept.
 
“Lapses in focus at the back punished us…this can happen to any team. It was a far better performance compared to our earlier two matches (won 1-0 against Cambodia and 3-1 against Laos),” said Cheng Hoe.
 
The former international is hoping and keeping his fingers crossed that naturalized Malaysian Mohamadou Sumareh will recover in the next few days to feature in his match plans against Myanmar.
 
“Sumareh is still disturbed by his hamstring injury. His movements are restricted and have done only light training. However, I am optimistic he could recover soon to resume full training.
 
“I am keeping my options open for now. The two days of rest for the players on their return from Hanoi has done them good. I could notice the zest and enthusiasm in them when we resumed training on Monday,” added Cheng Hoe. – BY RIZAL ABDULLAH   
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