Pan-gon wants Harimau Malaya to get the better of Singapore

Riding on the momentum: Malaysia’s La’Vere Corbin Ong (right) in action in the FAS Tri-Nation Series match against the Philippines. Malaysia take on hosts Singapore today. — FAM’s Facebook

PETALING JAYA: It may just be a friendly match between two neighbours but Harimau Malaya coach Kim Pan-gon will settle for nothing less than a win from his boys.

Malaysia take on hosts Singapore at the National Stadium tonight (8pm) in their last match in the FAS Tri-Nation Series.

The fierce football rivalry is not lost on the South Korean coach and he is aware of the historical significance.

Malaysia have clashed against the Lions 78 times.

Based on the statistics, Malaysia have won 22 matches while Singapore were victorious on 25 occasions while 31 were drawn.

And in their last meeting at the venue back in 2014, it was Malaysia who had the upper hand when they won 3-1 to knock Singapore out of the AFF Cup competition.

“This is like a derby match. It’s very important for both countries but I also have my personal target as a coach. Our goal is to prepare the national team for the 2023 Asian Cup qualifiers in June and also the AFF Cup later this year,” said Pan-gon.

“We will try to form a team with good basic techniques and better understanding on the tactical and technical aspects that we want to have,” said the newly appointed coach, who is hoping the national team can keep up the good momentum after beating Philippines 2-0 on Wednesday.

Two goals from Akhyar Rashid ensured Pan-gon made his debut on a winning start.

Malaysia were aggressive and showcased good attacking flow against the Philippines but Pan-gon hinted there would be changes against Singapore.

“We’ve been through a few training sessions and also our first friendly (against the Philippines),” he said.

“Our objective coming here is to evaluate each player, so we’ll try to experiment with everyone.”

Asked whether anyone was on the injury list, Pan-gon confirmed that a few players were carrying light injuries after the first friendly.

“But it’s not serious. We have been treating and protecting our players. Moreover, we have enough players here,” he said.

Singapore interim coach Nazri Nasir said his players did not need extra motivation given the nature of the rivalry between both teams.

“It’s always a special occasion when playing against Malaysia. They have quick attacking players that we need to be mindful of. It is going to be a difficult match,” said Nazri.

“We are playing on home ground and I am sure the boys won’t disappoint me.”