National coach Dollah Salleh (left) observes strikers Safee Sali and Norsharul Idlan Talaha during training at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya on Thursday ahead of Malaysia's AFF Suzuki Cup, semi-final first-leg clash against Vietnam on Sunday.- Ibrahim Mohtar/TheStar
PETALING JAYA: Make it count at home!
This is the message national coach Dollah Salleh has for his boys ahead of their AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final first-leg match against Vietnam at the Shah Alam Stadium on Sunday.
The former international said that with homeground advantage – and more than 70,000 vociferous fans behind them – they must come away with a comfortable cushion before the all-important return leg at the My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi on Dec 11.
The game plan is simple – the Harimau Malaya must win by more than a goal and avoid conceding an away goal.
“We need to score more goals ... if possible two or more and keep a clean sheet. That will be perfect for us,” said Dollah after putting the national players through their paces at the Wisma FAM ground in Kelana Jaya on Thursday.
“We must take full advantage at home. We must remember that the second leg in Hanoi won’t be easy. The bottom line is that we must get the job done here.
“The home fans will be an added advantage ... providing us with vocal support. I hope to see the stadium packed to the brim. I’ve been told that tickets are selling out fast and that’s good news for us.”
The 51-year-old Dollah added that he has decided on who will take over from the suspended Mohd Shukor Adan as skipper for the match. Shukor will serve a one-match suspension after picking up two yellow cards in the group stages.
Midfielder Mohd Safiq Rahim, who captained the national team since 2010 before being relieved of the armband in February, is the frontrunner to lead the team.
However, Dollah said he is keeping his options open and will announce the candidate soon.
“I have the candidates (to wear the armband) in mind but I have yet to finalise it,” said Dollah.
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