BANGKOK: No one is really giving the Malaysian Under-23 team, who just squeaked into the semi-final, any chance of getting past Thailand at the Rajamangala Stadium tonight.
No one, except the Malaysians. Coach Nafuzi Zain (pic) believes self-confidence, not reputation or venue, will be decisive when today’s match kicks off at 8pm local time (9pm Malaysian time).
Malaysia are chasing a first appearance in the final since 2017 and Nafuzi admits it looks tough.
“Thailand are the hosts and they have the fans, so it will not be easy,” he said.
“We have played them before and lost 1-2, but this is a different situation. We must be confident in what we do,” said Nafuzi who has taken the team to meet the minimum target by reaching the semi-finals.
“Our objective was to reach the semis. Now the next target is a medal,” he said.
“We are just focusing on Thailand. If we reach the final, we are fine with any team. The aim is simply to get there.”
The coach added that the only real motivation he expects from his players is self-belief.
“What is outside the pitch should not affect us. This is our chance. In a tournament, anything can happen.”
Nafuzi also admitted Malaysia cannot afford a repeat of the costly first-half mistakes made against Vietnam, which led to a 0-2 loss.
“We made mistakes in the first half against Vietnam but we will not bring that into the semi-final. We will fight and give everything.”
Malaysia captain and centreback Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili echoed his coach’s call, describing the semi-final as a “real final” for the team.
“I made mistakes against Vietnam and I take responsibility. It is a lesson learned. We must play as a unit and be more confident.”
Thailand Under-23 coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul, meanwhile, insisted his side are ready while cautioning against underestimating Malaysia.
“Malaysia are a good team with quality players,” said Thawatchai. “But we want to win the gold medal for everyone.”
Malaysia have injury concerns over winger Aliff Izwan Yuslan (shoulder) and leftback Shafizan Arshad (back), but Nafuzi insists his squad will be ready to give everything over 90 minutes tonight.
