PETALING JAYA: Harimau Malaya may be depleted, but there is no shortage of fighting spirit as they gear up to face defending champions Vietnam in the Hyundai AFF Cup.
Malaysia will be without several key players for the first leg of the semi-finals at the Cheras Football Stadium on Sunday.
Despite the setback, interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe (pic) is taking the situation in his stride, staying calm and composed ahead of the crucial clash.
“We cannot register any new players for the upcoming match or for the remainder of the tournament. We’ll have to continue with what we have,” said Cheng Hoe.
The midfield has been hit hardest, with Endrick Dos Santos (knee) and Aliff Haiqal Lau (hamstring) both ruled out through injuries.
It is also learnt that wingers Mohamadou Sumareh and Engku Nur Shakir Nur Yacob are carrying knocks, though the nature of their injuries has not been specified.
Adding to the squad’s troubles, American-based midfielder Wan Kuzain Wan Ahmad Kamal has left camp after his club, Sporting JAX, recalled him for USL Championship duty.
As the Asean meet falls outside the FIFA international calendar, clubs are under no obligation to release players – and retain the right to recall them at any time, even mid-tournament.
Cheng Hoe, who typically fields three central midfielders in his 4-3-3 system, is now left with just four options – Ziad El-Basheer, Sergio Aguero, Ibrahim Manusi and Daryl Sham George – in that department.
Despite the setback, he trust his remaining players will deliver.
“It has been tough and challenging from the beginning, but we have kept going, and that is something we are holding on to. We are not fazed by the challenges hitting us,” said Cheng Hoe.
“There are some players in this tournament who have yet to feature, but based on what I have seen in training, they are mentally and physically prepared to step up for the injured players.
“As a coach, I am looking at the options I have in midfield for the test against Vietnam.”
Centreback Aysar Hadi Sapri and striker Paulo Josue both are seen as capable of operating in midfield but Cheng Hoe said he was reluctant to shuffle his side’s shape too drastically.
“I know we have some players capable of playing in different positions, but I’m not going to pick someone just to fill up the numbers.
“They must be ready to play in midfield, because we know what our opponents are capable of. I want them to have tactical understanding, and the discipline to defend strongly – to stay focused and play smart both on and off the ball.
“Vietnam have the upper hand because they have selected their strongest squad for this competition, but we have home advantage, and we will make it count.”
