PETALING JAYA: The heat is not on the Harimau Muda to win their last Group B game against Laos at the Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium in Jakarta today in the AFF Under-19 Championship.
Coach Hasan Sazali Waras said he doesn’t want any of his charges to risk injuries before the semi-finals and will not be alarmed if they don’t finish top of the group.
Malaysia have confirmed their semi-final spot after edging Timor Leste 4-3 at the Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium in Jakarta on Saturday.
Laos lead the group with nine points while Malaysia are second with seven.
“A lot of players are exhausted, especially our defenders. I have to check their fitness levels to ensure they are fully ready for the semis,” said Hasan.
“I will not push them in the last game against Laos. I don’t want any injuries as some players have already suffered bruises.
“As for our opponents in the semis, it makes no difference to us who we play as all the four teams at this stage are equally strong.”
On Saturday night, Malaysia drew first blood against Timor Leste via Najmudin Akmal Kamal Akmal in the ninth minute, only for Cristevao Fernandes to draw level two minutes later.
Malaysia regained the lead through Adam Farhan Faizal in the 15th minute and in the second-half, Aliff Izwan Yuslan made it 3-1 in the 52nd minute.
Timor Leste reduced the deficit through Mario Donasio in the 54th minute, but Adam struck again in the 62nd to give Malaysia a 4-2 cushion.
In the 65th minute, Malaysia captain Ahmad Aysar Hadi Shapri was sent off in the 65th minute after receiving a second yellow and Timor Leste closed the gap in the 75th minute through Donasio.
Hasan said he was disappointed with his defence, who conceded three easy goals.
“It’s an area we have to improve on quickly. It was a tense match but the boys held on well to win it.”
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