PETALING JAYA: Given the firepower of Hyundai AFF Cup holders Vietnam, they could be too hot for Malaysia to handle in their first-leg semi-final match at the Cheras Football Stadium on Saturday.
And the Harimau Malaya’s fate could be in the hands of goalkeeper Azri Ghani, who is facing the Golden Star Warriors for the first time in his international career.
The gloved one nicknamed Ayie faces a stern examination against a frontline boasting the likes of naturalised Brazilian forwards Nguyen Xuan Son (formerly Rafaelson Bezerra), Nguyen Tai Loc (Geovane Magno) and Do Hoang Hen (Hendrio Araujo).
But the 27-year-old Azri is far from intimidated by the daunting prospect. The Negri Sembilan custodian is looking forward to testing himself against the Vietnamese in their maiden meeting.
“It’s my first time playing against them but I will be ready,” said Azri.
“Credit to Vietnam for their impressive performances but we can’t be worried about facing them.
“Even though some of our players may not be in the best condition as we have a few injuries, it won’t be an issue. We can count on whoever is available to deliver.”
Azri said the injured players were recovering well and hoped they could return to fitness in time for the second leg.
Malaysia will be missing rightback Jimmy Raymond and midfielder Endrick Dos Santos for the first leg.
“Their recovery is going well. I hope they can return for the next game in Hanoi.”
He added that the team have already done better than expected given the short preparation time, coming straight off the off-season and into the tournament.
“It’s been a short preparation, but I’m proud of the players for what they’ve shown.”
Looking ahead to the semi-final tie, Azri said a positive result in the first leg would give Malaysia something to build on for the return fixture.
“I hope we can at least get a draw in the game at Cheras and then fight for it in Hanoi,” he added.
“We have to give our fullest concentration and our defence must be well organised.”
