Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Johor Baru: Coach Ong Kim Swee is remaining cautious despite Malaysia heading into Monday’s 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifying play-off against Timor-Leste with a commanding 3-0 advantage.
But despite the second leg, which is officially Timor-Leste’s home tie, also taking place at the home of 2015 AFC Cup winners Johor Darul Ta’zim, the Malaysia coach has demanded focus with a guaranteed place in the third and final round of qualifiers for the 2019 tournament in the United Arab Emirates at stake for the winner.
"We have to be wary and prepare for any eventualities in the second leg. Timor-Leste exposed us through their counterattacks in the first leg,” he said.
"Every match we turn up, we want to win and the most important thing for me is we qualify for the next stage. We have to focus and there will be no complacency until the final whistle.
"We have to look at the situation as the game goes on. When it comes to formation, you can put any number. But the concept remains the same and we cannot afford to be static.
"The players' mentality will also play an important part. I don't think there will be any major changes, although we will be checking on the injuries from Izham Tarimizi, Shahrom Kalam and Brendan Gan.”
The losers will still have the chance to qualify for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, as the five teams who are not successful this month will join Bhutan in a final round of play-offs in September and October, with the final three places available in the 24-team third round which starts next year.
"It will not be easy to overcome the first leg loss, especially when we did not score the important away goal, but we will concentrate to make a good game tomorrow,” said Timor-Leste coach Fabio Maciel.
"My boys are ready for the second leg. We have adapted better to the environment and corrected some mistakes from the first leg during training these few days.
"There will be a few changes in my side as we need to be more aggressive and have more possession of the ball. We have to be more intelligent in the way we play.
"If Malaysia relax after the big lead, we will be looking to take advantage and hope to spring a surprise."
Photo: Asiana.my