PETALING JAYA: Three games in a week can be tough for any player in terms of workload.
After the final whistle in Malaysia’s 0-1 defeat against Thailand in their Group A game of the AFF Cup at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on Saturday, many players were seen trudging and some just fell on the field due to exhaustion.
There were also injury concerns when wingback Adib Abd Raop had to be stretchered off the field due to a collision during the game and brought to the hospital, and striker Fergus Tierney was playing with an injured ankle.
Fortunately, Adib was discharged immediately but the national team medical staff said he would be assessed in the next few days.
With fatigue and injuries beginning to seep into Harimau Malaya, there are concerns before the all-important final group tie against Singapore at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Friday.
But team captain and midfielder Syamer Kutty Abba (pic) has vowed that the team will play through pain as they want to bring pride to the badge.
“We take pride in every player, no matter what happens, we stand together. Everyone played well but cannot be satisfied because of the loss,” said the 27-year-old Penang midfielder.
“Even in pain, we will continue to play. We hope that the final match at Bukit Jalil will bring a high spirit so that we can advance to the next level, God willing.”
In the other Group A matches so far, Malaysia were held 2-2 by Cambodia on Dec 8 and beat Timor Leste 3-2 on Dec 11.
To qualify for the semi-finals, Malaysia will have to hope that Thailand beat or hold Singapore tomorrow and they get the three points against the Lions on Friday.
