Malaysia out to stop Japan in their track

Malaysia will be banking on Farahiyah to get the goals against Japan. - Adam Ghazali

PETALING JAYA: Coach Chiew Chun Yong wants Malaysia to stand up and be counted against Japan in Friday’s semi-finals of the inaugural AFC Women’s Futsal Championship at the Nilai Indoor Stadium.

On paper, Japan are the overwhelming favourites to reach the final. They are ranked sixth in the world and easily topped Group B, winning all their matches. They scored 14 goals and conceded only five.

In contrast, Malaysia are not ranked by FIFA as they hardly featured in international tournaments.

But the Malaysians have been a revelation at the tournament, finishing second behind favourites Iran in Group A.

Malaysia kicked off the campaign by beating Uzbekistan 9-4 for their first-ever win in an Asian-level tournament. They then beat Hong Kong 4-1 before going down 2-4 to Iran in their final group match.

Chun Yong said Malaysia should not go into the match against Japan with an inferiority complex.

“I have told the players to go and face Japan with a positive mind. We must try to give them a run for their money,” said Chun Yong.

“When the players heard of Japan and Iran in our group during the draw ... they nearly collapsed. We were beaten even before the actual match. We must change this negative culture. The players should show better mental strength and fighting spirit.

“I want the players to cut down on Japan’s ball possession. They have to press the opponents and intercept their passes. By doing so they can’t control the game. It’s true that Japan have better techniques but we can make life difficult for them,” he added.

Malaysia will once again depend on striker Farahiyah Ridzuan to get the goals. Farahiyah is the tournament’s top scorer with seven goals. She will be assisted by 16-year-old student Siti Asnida Zamri.