PETALING JAYA: Vengeance will be the name of the game as Malaysia’s Under-16 football team square off against Vietnam in the AFF Under-17 Championship final in Sidoarjo, Indonesia, today.
The junior Tigers were left licking their wounds when they started their campaign with a crushing 4-0 loss to the Vietnamese in Group A.
But former international Shukor Adan’s (pic) charges have since staged an impressive turnaround to earn a shot at the title at the Gelora Delta Stadium.
They bounced back from that demoralising opener with a 1-0 upset over hosts Indonesia and a 2-0 win against Timor Leste, before cruising past Laos 3-0 in Wednesday’s semi-final.
Now, they are just one match away from lifting the trophy and underlining the promise of the country’s next generation.
Shukor acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge ahead against a Vietnamese side that have been dominant throughout the tournament.
“Our preparation is focused on recovery, both mentally and physically, because we know Vietnam are very strong. They have scored 16 goals and conceded only once,” said Shukor.
“Tactically, we will go for it, but with a different approach compared to our first meeting.”
He added that Vietnam’s strength across age-group levels makes them a formidable opponent.
“From the Under-17s up to the Under-23s, Vietnam have a very good development structure. This will be a difficult match, but we’re game for the challenge.”
Shukor praised his players’ resilience, noting their defensive improvement after the heavy opening defeat.
“After being heavily beaten, the players showed a strong mentality. We reached the final without conceding in our last three matches, which is a big achievement,” he said.
“I’ve told them to enjoy this moment because they’ve already made history as one of the youngest teams to reach the final. In the end, it will come down to their spirit and fighting will.”
Meanwhile, National Football Development Programme ( DP) director Datuk Ong Kim Swee also urged the players to approach the final with confidence and without fear.
“We came into the tournament with one of the youngest squads and were drawn in the toughest group,” said Kim Swee.
“After the heavy opening defeat, the players responded with great determination to reach the semi-finals and now they’re in the final.
“We are just one step away. There’s nothing to fear - just go out and give your best.”
Malaysia will be aiming to add to their previous AFF U-17 titles, having won the competition in 2013 and 2019.
