Only one way...and that is to beat Indonesia or take flight home

Good news: Malaysia’s winger Akhyar Rashid will be rejoining the team after completing his quarantine for Covid-19.

PETALING JAYA: National coach Tan Cheng Hoe has thrown down the gauntlet to his players – beat Indonesia at all costs.

Malaysia will face Indonesia in their final AFF Suzuki Cup Group B match at the National Stadium in Singapore on Sunday and they must win to enter the semi-finals.

Malaysia have made life difficult for themselves after dropping to third in Group B with six points from three matches after losing 0-3 to Vietnam.

Indonesia are on top of Group B with seven points, separated only by goal difference with Vietnam. The Indonesians just need a draw against Malaysia to get to the last four.

Cheng Hoe knows the precarious spot that they are in but wants his boys to be flexible in facing their rather unpredictable opponents.

The Garudas scored a whopping nine goals and conceded three against Laos and Cambodia, but against Vietnam, they were ultra-defensive which saw the game ending 0-0.

“I’ve told the boys to win at all costs against Indonesia,” said Cheng Hoe.

“It will be a challenge, but we will enter the game with a positive mind. What’s important, we have to get to the field with the best attitude.

“Indonesia just need a draw, and we believe they will be defensive, but we also know how quick they can attack. So we have to be focused and not have any lapses.

“We can’t predict how our opponents will play on that day, so the players have to prepare for any eventuality.”

Harimau Malaya will have to keep an eye on players like wingers Witan Sulaiman, Ricky Kambuaya and Irfan Jaya who are breathtakingly quick.

They also have to be wary of captain and midfielder Evan Dimas, who has scored three goals.

In defence, they have top talents like Rachmat Irianto, Asnawi Mangkualam and Alfeandra Dewangga.

“Indonesia may not have the experience but their young talents have shown why they are a force in the region. If we switch off, they will punish us,” said Cheng Hoe.

“The result is important for us, not the style we play. The players have to trust each other, work doubly hard, create chances and score goals. It’s do or die for us.”

Cheng Hoe will be looking forward to defender Dion Cools’ presence in the team and the return of winger Akhyar Rashid who is set to complete his quarantine today after he was tested Covid-19 positive earlier.“Dion has arrived (from Denmark) and looks motivated to help us get to the next stage. His presence, I hope, will bring stability and strength to our side. And Akhyar is set to join us too.”