Calm and composed: Syafiq Ahmad speaking at the pre-match press conference at the Grand Dorsett Hotel. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: If there is one player who can inspire his teammates to step up a gear in a high-stakes game, it has to be Syafiq Ahmad.
And Malaysia are in desperate need of that quality when they face Bangladesh in the final Group E game of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil today.
The 26-year-old multi-talented player, who can play as a striker, playmaker, second striker and winger, could well feature in the first 11 for the Harimau Malaya against the Bengal Tigers.
On the pitch, he does not need to rally his teammates with his words, as his actions alone can push them to give their all for the nation.
During the pre-match press conference yesterday, the player fondly known as Pit knows what is at stake.
“Only a win. Nothing else matters. People have been talking about several possible ways on how we would finish, but as one of the players on the pitch, I want us to go all out for a win, if possible a big win,” said the Johor Darul Ta’zim player.
“Whatever the coach plans for us, we follow. Whoever starts needs to know that it is paramount that they go all out.
“For us, there is no bigger stage than to get to the Asian Cup.
“I hope we can absorb some of the crowd’s energy and give our best. Look, the people want to see us play on the big stage.
“Expectations are high and we will use it to fuel us.
“Also, we need to learn that just because we are leading in a game, it does not mean we are winning it. Focus and concentration are really, really important!”
Only the group champions and top five runners-up will qualify for the finals next year.
If Malaysia win, they will most likely have to wait until the final day of the qualifying competition to know if they make it.
