Malaysia U-22 Ong Kim Swee has determined to end the SEA Games group stage with a perfect record without concerning about the upcoming semi-final opponents.
Kim has ruled out the possibilities that his side will rest some key players in the final group A match against minnows Laos at the Shah Alam Stadium on Wednesday.
“I need to look at the players’ condition and those who have yet to play, like Syazwan (Zaipol). I will field my strongest XI because we want to win all our matches,” said the former international quoted by The Star.
“I don’t think we are in a situation where we can pick our semi-final opponents. Actually, it’s the teams in the other group who are at an advantage as they know who they’ll face in the semi-finals.
“We just need to make sure that all the players are in the best shape to play in the semi-finals.”
Malaysia will have the incentive for the group toppers as they will meet the runner-ups of Group B, which is still wide open with three teams – Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia – battling for the top two spots.