PETALING JAYA: Interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe is refusing to get carried away by Malaysia’s emphatic 4-0 win over Laos in the Hyundai AFF Cup on Tuesday, with his sights already set on a much sterner test against arch-rivals Thailand.
Cheng Hoe is hopeful the team’s chemistry will take them over the line on Aug 1 in Bangkok and their home match against the Philippines on Aug 8.
“We continue to build momentum and have better understanding in the team now,” said Cheng Hoe in a post-match press conference.
“The win (against Laos) definitely gives us motivation.”
Malaysia and Thailand first met in 1959, when the former claimed a 3-1 victory. Much has changed since then.
Thailand have grown into South-East Asia’s dominant force and are now ranked 94th in the world, while Malaysia sit 136th in the FIFA rankings.
The most recent time Harimau Malaya travelled to Bangkok to face Thailand ended 1-0 to the hosts in an Asean Championship group stage match in December 2024.
“Thailand have strong players, and they are playing at home. We must prepare for the bigger challenge,” said Cheng Hoe.
Despite the team currently topping Group B (after winning against Myanmar and Laos), Cheng Hoe was critical of the team’s overall performance.
“We struggled in the first half. The first goal gave us confidence to improve.”
The short turnaround between games and the travel involved is also a cause for concern for the coach.
“We will have to play three matches in a week. We must assess injuries and recovery periods to perform at our best.”
