KUALA LUMPUR: Interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe insists Malaysia’s Hyundai AFF Cup semi-final dream is still alive despite a 2-0 first-leg defeat to Vietnam at the Cheras Football Stadium on Sunday.
He told his young side that “we lost the battle, but we haven’t lost the war yet” ahead of the second leg at the MyDinh Stadium in Hanoi tomorrow.
The Harimau Malaya were undone by a first-half header from their naturalised Rafaelson Bezerra, now known as Nguyen Xuan Son and a late own goal from Faris Danish Asrul.
But Cheng Hoe, whose side fielded several Under-23 players and handed debuts to midfielder Ibrahim Manusi and Ziad El-Basheer in the second half, said he was proud of how his young charges responded to the occasion.
“We knew playing against Vietnam in the semi-final would be a very difficult task as they sent their best team,” said Cheng Hoe in the post-match press conference.
“I feel a bit disappointed but I’m proud of all the players.
“They showed confidence, and demonstrated their commitment in the game.”
In a tight first half, Malaysia twice went close through captain Paulo Josue and midfielder Daryl Sham George in the space of three seconds.
“We created two chances but we didn’t score. In the last minute, a lapse of concentration cost us,” he said.
“Moving into the second half, we had good control of the game, but unfortunately, the own goal – really killed us.”
Malaysia’s task was complicated further when centreback Rodney Akwensivie was forced off with an injury inside the opening 15 minutes, throwing young replacement Aysar Hadi Sapri and a largely inexperienced backline into the fire.
“Our backline was left with very raw experience at this international level but I have to salute them and support them.
“All four defenders played really well,” he said.
Cheng Hoe admitted his side face a daunting atmosphere against a Vietnam team already leading 2-0, but urged his players to embrace the challenge rather than fear it.
“We know it won’t be easy to play in Hanoi with their home crowd support and full capacity of fans.
“I want the players to enjoy that atmosphere, go there, and give their best,” he said.
