PETALING JAYA: The Malaysians need a miracle at Bukit Jalil – and national head coach Kim Pan-gon believes he is the magician who can deliver it.
The Harimau Malaya coach promises a strong finish from his boys when they clash against Taiwan in their do-or-die match, with a flicker of hope to qualify for the the third round of the World Cup qualifiers for the first time.
Calling the shots: Kim Pan-gon giving instructions to his players during training. — FAM
Malaysia need to win by at least seven goals in their final Group D match of the World Cup 2026-Asian Cup 2027 second-round qualifiers – and hope table-toppers Oman beat second-placed Kyrgyzstan in the other Group D match.
It looks like mission impossible as Oman, who have already qualified as the group winners, could take it easy against Kyrgyzstan but Pan-gon has known for a while now that his charges will have to fight to the end.
The South Korean revealed that during the 80th minute of their 1-1 draw against Kyrgyzstan in Bishkek, he and the coaching staff knew that they would cling on to the “small” hope of achieving the miracle against Taiwan at the National Stadium today.
“We decided we would take the fight to the end and not go for the jugular in Bishkek. We felt it was best to fight in our home ground,” said Pan-gon.
“Any side visiting Bukit Jalil are always under pressure. We have always had good results here. We have averaged at least five goals a game in Bukit Jalil.
“Not only that, the Ultras Malaya will add more pressure on our opponents. I hope the fans will ramp it up today.
“I know my boys are mentally and physically prepared. Our tactics will be risky against Taiwan but I believe it will work.
“As for Taiwan, I know the coach (Gary White) wants to win. Every coach wants that. But in reality, it will be difficult for them. We will dominate and hit them.”
Malaysia did beat Taiwan in the earlier fixture, but it was only 1-0 in Taipei. The East Asian side played a defensive game then and one would expect the same in Bukit Jalil.
Pan-gon, however, was confident of breaking the Taiwanese defence.
“We know what is in front of us. At least seven, not conceding and winning. We must score early but if we can’t, we must be calm. We cannot put too much pressure on ourselves.
“Our players are experienced enough. I know our boys will deal with this situation well. I believe we can do it.”
To add to the firepower, naturalised Argentinian Sergio Aguero has been called-up at the last minute by Pan-gon now that he has recovered from a minor ankle niggle.
“He was part of our planning but his ankle was an issue. He is fully recovered now, so we know we need goals and felt Aguero could maximise our attacking power,” said Pan-gon.
