Malaysia seem to come into this tournament with high hopes under new coach Tan Cheng Hoe, but face stern competition from many strong regional rivals. The side are in a similar position to Vietnam, looking to oversee the budding of a new ‘golden generation’ by calling up many young players after a strong showing at youth levels. The two sides are set to battle it out for supremacy in Group A. Here are how other teams see the strengths and weaknesses of Harimau Malaya going into this tournament.
The View from Indonesia
To be honest, it was slightly mysterious why Tan Cheng Hoe doesn’t call the up the Insa Brothers and young players like Matthew Davies or La’Vere Corbin-Ong. Just a suggestion, maybe Cheng Hoe doesn’t like naturalized players who were born in foreign countries in his squad. But then, why did he call up Mohamadou Sumareh?
Strengths: In recent years, Malaysia have shown their strengths in both the physical and mental sides if the game. Certainly, they will need to show the same at this year’s AFF Cup.
Weaknesses: Malaysia’s players are yet to adapt to the philosphy of the new coach. So in some situations, it is possible that they may not be able to maintain their team’s balance for the entirety of the match.
Steven Danis, Football Tribe Indonesia
The View from Thailand
This is a young and exciting Malaysian squad – a complete opposite of the experienced warriors who made it to the final in 2014. Many Thai fans will be paying attention to Safawi Rasid, who did extremely well at the Asian Games and has been linked with a transfer to a few Thai league teams. The “Malayan Tigers” must make it out of the group stage at a minimum.
Strengths: A decent run in the Asian Games proves that Malaysia have a head coach they can trust, and it is very refreshing to see that he (Tan Cheng Hoe) is brave enough to bring the youth up to senior level. Long-term planning and fantastic momentum from the previous tournament could be Malaysia’s biggest strength.
Weaknesses: Malaysia seems to concede far too easily and this might cause trouble deeper in the tournament where competition is fierce.
Obb Deewajin, Football Tribe Thailand
The View from Vietnam
Malaysia expect to field new tactics under coach Tan Cheng Hoe. They have been playing some good football in the friendly match ahead of the tournament. If they maintain this way of playing, they can be one of the favourites for the title.
Strengths: In recent years, Malaysia have shown their strengths in both the physical and mental sides if the game. Certainly, they will need to show the same at this year’s AFF Cup.
Weaknesses: Malaysia’s players are yet to adapt to the philosophy of the new coach. So in some situations, it is possible that they may not be able to maintain their team’s balance for the entirety of the match.
Tran Tien, Football Tribe Vietnam