PETALING JAYA: National interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe has moved swiftly to reshuffle his squad after three players were ruled out through injury ahead of the FIFA Asean Cup.
Cheng Hoe confirmed that Johor Darul Ta’zim II fullback Faris Danish Mohd Asrul (calf), PSM Makassar midfielder Sergio Aguero (an injury picked up in the Hyundai Cup) and Terengganu striker Romel Morales (hamstring) have all been withdrawn from the 23-man squad.
They have been replaced by Selangor centreback Harith Haiqal, Selangor midfielder Syahir Bashah and Kuala Lumpur striker Paulo Josue, who join the squad as they depart for Indonesia today.
The Harimau Malaya open their campaign against Bangladesh at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Friday.
“We have a 23-man squad, but three players have suffered injuries and we were forced to make changes.
“Since they aren’t at 100 per cent, we’ve brought in Harith Haiqal, Syahir Bashah and Paulo Josue as replacements,” said Cheng Hoe during a press conference at the Hilton Hotel here yesterday.
“Syahir will be here for the first time but we have seen his performances for Selangor, so I believe he will be a good addition to our squad.”
Malaysia have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Indonesia, Singapore and invited guests Bangladesh, with only the group winners advancing directly to the final.
The runners-up from each group will contest a third-fourth playoff.
Cheng Hoe said the inclusion of JDT players – striker Bergson Da Silva, defender Bradley Tapp and winger Manuel Hidalgo has given the squad fresh impetus, particularly up front.
“Players like Bergson, Tapp and Hidalgo bring a breath of fresh air to the squad. Bergson is a proven goalscorer who integrates seamlessly with the local players, while Tapp brings physical strength and defensive stability,” he said.
On Malaysia’s group prospects, Cheng Hoe was wary of underestimating Bangladesh despite the spotlight on host nation Indonesia.
“Any coach entering a tournament aims for victory, but this competition will be unique. We cannot afford to underestimate our opening match against Bangladesh either. Every game in this group will be a 50-50 battle,” he said.
Asked whether a strong showing could see his interim tag dropped, Cheng Hoe said the decision rests with the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).
“I leave my position entirely to FAM management; my immediate duty is strictly focused on this FIFA Asean Cup campaign,” he added.
