KUALA LUMPUR: Vietnam may be the defending champions and clear favourites, but Malaysia are refusing to be intimidated as they prepare for a two-legged AFF Hyundai Cup semi-final showdown.
Interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe knows the odds are stacked against his young side, but believes Malaysia have nothing to lose and every reason to go after the holders.
“We know Vietnam are favourites in this tournament, but we have our own ambitions to go further,” said Cheng Hoe.
“We need to study and analyse their recent matches, raise our intensity and improve the way we handle pressure.”
Malaysia booked their place in the last four by beating the Philippines 1-0 at the Cheras Football Stadium on Saturday, with G. Pavithran’s first-half header securing the crucial victory.
The result lifted Harimau Malaya to second in Group B on nine points, ahead of Myanmar, after their hopes had been dented by a 0-2 defeat to Thailand on Aug 1.
Now Vietnam stand between Malaysia and a place in the final, with the first leg to be played at home on Aug 16.
Cheng Hoe acknowledged the difficult history Malaysia have against their regional rivals but urged his players to believe they can upset the odds.
“Facing Vietnam has almost become a tradition in terms of how difficult it is for us to win,” he said.
“But we have to believe in ourselves.
“Hopefully, our supporters will come out in force again because their support can give the players an extra lift.”
The coach also admitted Malaysia still have plenty to improve after a nervy display against the Philippines, particularly in creating chances and handling the physical demands of the game.
But he was proud of the way his young squad overcame a difficult build-up and secured a place in the semi-finals – a feat few expected before the tournament.
“From the start, our preparation wasn’t smooth,” said Cheng Hoe.
“But because of the players’ desire and trust in each other, and the coaching staff who kept guiding them, we made it to the semi-finals – something few gave us a chance of doing.”
