PETALING JAYA: Malaysian women’s football team goalkeeper Azurin Mazlan (pic) is not going to let fatigue spoil their show in the Philippines.
Although the effects of playing back-to-back matches were visible, Azurin said they would rely on team unity and spirit to give them the additional strength to face Thailand in their fourth Group A match of the AFF Women’s Championship at the Binan Football Stadium in Manila today.
Malaysia were thrashed 0-4 by the Philippines, who are bound for the 2023 World Cup, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on Friday. They drew 0-0 against Singapore on July 4 and 1-1 against Indonesia on July 6.
Their final group fixture against Australia is on Tuesday.
For today’s match, they will not have the services of four players. Farishah Erinna is down with Covid-19 while Rosdianah Adeline Jerus, Putri Arissa Balqis Ab Liah and Ji Fedalliah Claritta Jaimin are injured.
“The lack of recovery time is affecting us. It is hard for us to get our bodies at 100%. But we are a team and are training well to prepare ourselves for the game against Thailand,” said Azurin.
Thailand will enter the game as favourites, having played in the World Cup twice in 2015 and 2019.
“We will play defensively in this game, with the hope of getting a point,” said Azurin.
“We gave our best against the Philippines, we did okay despite conceding four goals.
“We’ll minimise our mistakes against the Thais.”
Malaysia are currently fourth in the group with two points from three games.
Coach Jacob Joseph felt the organisers could have done a better job with the scheduling.
“Five games in nine days can be taxing for any footballer. FIFA have advised players to get 48 hours rest before the next game but in the Philippines, we only have 36 hours,” said Joseph.
“With shorter recovery period, it’s not easy to face experienced teams like the Philippines, Australia and Thailand.’’
On their chances against the Thais, Jacob said: “We can’t play an open game against a side like Thailand.
“We have to be cautious.”
