PETALING JAYA: Defender Dion Cools will not be in action when Malaysia take on Vietnam in the FIFA Asean Cup third-place playoff at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Monday.
Interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe said that their captain Cools has left the team for personal reasons.
The 30-year-old Cerezo Osaka player is the second key player to miss the game within days following Faisal Halim’s absence.
Winger Faisal has also left the squad and returned to Selangor for treatment on a calf injury.
“As we know, Faisal is unable to be with the team due to an injury.
“Now, Dion too will not be with us due to personal matters that he needs to settle urgently.
“We respect Dion’s decision and wish him the very best,” said Cheng Hoe.
“In terms of our playing style and defence, Dion plays a very vital role.
“Not only as a captain, but he also organises and guides the defensive line exceptionally well.
“Credit must be given not just to Dion, but to the entire squad for their commitment across the last three matches, which has been great.
Despite the absence of both the star players, Cheng Hoe reminded his charges to stay consistent and continue the form they are in where they have not conceded throughout the tournament.
“Of course, we need to step up and maintain consistency because our next opponent, Vietnam, is a formidable team with solid tactical organisation in both attack and defence.
“We’ve lost to Vietnam many times in the past, but we must approach this match with complete confidence and view it as a prime opportunity to secure a positive result.
“We must sustain our performance and consistency and play as a unit.
