Pan-gon faces big challenge to get best available players for AFF Cup

Much to ponder: Kim Pan-gon at the draw for the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup in Vietnam. — FAM

PETALING JAYA: Getting the best manpower for the Harimau Malaya will be national football teacm Kim Pan-gon’s priority as Malaysia have been drawn in the same group with defending champions Thailand for the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup.

Malaysia are in Group A with Thailand, Singapore, Cambodia, and the winner of the qualification fixture between Brunei and Timor-Leste as the tournament is set to kick off on Nov 23-Dec 21.

“It’s an interesting draw as we will be facing defending champions Thailand. Another challenge will be neighbours Singapore,” said Pan-gon after the draw ceremony held in Vietnam.

With top teams Selangor and Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) not likely to release their top players during the tournament period, the hunt will be on for Pan-gon to recruit the best available players to compete.

“We will also be facing Cambodia and another team that will enter from the qualification match.

“So we will try to get the best manpower to build the best team and fight for this Cup,” he said.

Vietnam have Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar and Laos for company in Group B.

Malaysia will want to start off strong in the group stage, especially against Thailand as the War Elephants knocked them out in the semi-finals at the 2022 edition.

With their win in the previous edition, Thailand have seven titles (1996, 2000, 2002, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2022) under their belt and are the most successful team in the tournament’s history.

Singapore sit second, having won four editions (1998, 2004, 2007, 2012), while Malaysia have only won once in 2010 and are behind Vietnam who have two titles (2008, 2018).