There was an air of confidence when Harimau Malaya left for Bangkok on Monday afternoon for the second-leg AFF Suzuki semi-final match against Thailand at the Rajamangala Stadium on Wednesday.
The two teams go into the fray on equal footing after the scoreless draw in the first leg at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday – which many believe puts Malaysia at a disadvantage in Bangkok.
National football head coach, despite injuries to his two key players – Mohamadou Sumareh (rightwing) and left back Syazwan Andik Ishak – is still optimistic of a positive result to deny the five-time champions.
“There are still two more days to go and I hope that Sumareh and Syazwan will recover and get the medical green light take the field,” said Cheng Hoe before leaving with the team.
“However, I also have my Plan B as a standby should they fail to recover. This will only be revealed after I get the final medical report on them in Bangkok. For now, let it be a secret.”
“Sumareh and Syazawan still some tightness and this makes their mobility somewhat tricky. Hopefully, there will be an improvement in the next two days so that my match plans can be put into effect.”
Thousands of Malaysian supporters will also be making their way to the Rajamangala Stadium to lend support to their team. Many have made plans by road and air to give support to Malaysia.
“Harimau Malaya is used to playing in packed stadiums both at home and away and this Wednesday will be no different,” added Cheng Hoe. RIZAL ABDULLAH
