Maloney’s boys only need to beat Laos in group to reach semis

No time to rest: Malaysia players at a training session ahead of their AFF Under-23 Championship match against Laos. — FAM

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia coach Brad Maloney has urged his charges to treat their only group match at the AFF Under-23 Championship as a “grand final”.

With both Indonesia and Myanmar out of the competition due to a spate of Covid-19 cases, Malaysia will only play one match against Laos in Group B at the Prince Stadium on Feb 18.

The Australian revealed that the Malaysian team even proposed two games against Laos but their opponents declined, making it a one-off match in the group.

Malaysia must win the game to top the group and advance to the semi-finals.

“It’s a disappointment to see Indonesia and Myanmar out. We came here to play football and give some of our new faces exposure. It’s a shame we’re playing fewer matches in the tournament,” Maloney said in a virtual press conference.

“The Laos game is like a grand final, that’s the way it is. People think our path to the semi is easier now but in one-off games like this, anything can happen. So the boys have to be really focused when they face Laos.

“The situation we’re going through right now is a bit unusual. This is the first time we’re facing such a situation.

“The boys are a little disappointed because they prefer to play but the well-being of everyone is paramount right now. I’ve spoken to the tournament director to enhance the safety measures even further.”

The Harimau Muda were supposed to start their campaign today but opponents Myanmar pulled out of the competition due to a number of Covid-19 cases in their team.

The Asean Football Federation (AFF) issued a statement on the matter yesterday afternoon, confirming that the Myanmar Football Federation (MFF) had informed them about their withdrawal from the competition due to Covid-19 complications.

“As part of the health and safety measures, the Myanmar team have undergone regular tests before and after arriving in Cambodia,” said the statement.

“Following confirmation of positive tests among a number of players, a decision has been taken to withdraw the team to help reduce the risk of further infection.

“Players and staff identified to be close contacts have also been placed in isolation for observation.”

Myanmar are the second team to pull out after Indonesia, who had to withdraw after seven of their players came down with Covid-19 before flying to Phnom Penh.

AFF president Major General Khiev Sameth admitted that it was disappointing to see another team pulling out from the competition.

“We understand that the team have been raring to kick off their campaign and the fans have been eager to catch them in action. However, the health and safety of everyone involved are of utmost importance, and we fully understand the decision that has been taken. We wish the affected members a full and speedy recovery,” he said.