Timely switch: Daniel Ting (right) went from defender to attacker and it worked wonders in Malaysia’s win over Kyrgyzstan on Thursday.
PETALING JAYA: Daniel Ting was brought in as a back-up for first-choice leftback La’vere Corbin-Ong but he did not play that role.
Instead, head coach Kim Pan-gon told him to go on all attack mode, and Daniel loved every bit of it.
The 30-year-old was brought on as a 70th minute substitute in the 4-3 win against Kyrgyzstan in the opening Group D match of the World Cup 2026-Asian Cup 2027 second-round qualifiers at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Thursday.
And attack he did, and his energy on the left flank did help Malaysia’s cause as they came back from 1-3 down to beat the Falcons.
With that performance, many believe the former Kuala Lumpur player could stand a chance to feature against Taiwan in the second group match at the Taipei Municipal Stadium on Tuesday.
The Sabah leftback said he was open to any opportunity to play.
“I would be happy to start the game against Taiwan but it’s up to the coach,” he said.
“But we are all together as a team. We are one. I’m happy if Corbin starts, and I am sure he would be happy if I started. But I am fine with any role.
“Whether as a starter or substitute, I am ready to play in any role for the country.
“It’s nice to get some minutes against Kyrgyzstan. Next game against Taiwan, we have to continue attacking the way we did but not let many goals in.”
And when asked if he preferred to play as a leftback or attacker, Daniel said he wouldn’t mind doing the job upfront.
“I do that in Sabah as well and I do not mind doing it for the national team. It would be nice to turn the game around with your attacking prowess,” he said.
“Before the qualifiers, I didn’t know much about Taiwan but we have a clearer picture after analysing them. Generally, Taiwan like to sit back, that will be a challenge.
“But we will just have to focus on our game.”
