PETALING JAYA: The losing streak against Thailand must end.
This is the rallying cry of captain Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi as Harimau Muda get ready to face the fancied Thais in their last Group H game of the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers at the Chonburi Stadium in Thailand tomorrow.
This year they have lost twice to the Young War Elephants, 0-2 in the group stage of the Cambodia SEA Games and 3-4 in a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw in the third-fourth placing match of the AFF Under-23 championship in Rayong, Thailand.
Mukhairi wants the team to surprise their opponents in their third encounter this year.
By beating the Thais coached by Issara Sritaro, Malaysia will emerge as group champions with nine points. They have already beaten Bangladesh 2-0 and the Philippines 4-0.
“The Thais did not bring their main players in the previous AFF championships like us. For the qualifiers though, they have brought their best players like Leon James, Airfan Doloh and Anan Yodsangwal, so it will be different,” said the midfielder.
“They will be even stronger but we too, have some top players in our ranks who are playing as a unit now. We need to show that we can surprise the hosts nation.
“We keep losing to them but this must change now. Our motivation is to get to the next round and for that to happen, we need to win and top the group.”
Players like winger T. Saravanan, wingbacks V. Ruventhiran and Azam Azmi Murad, striker Fergus Tierney, and centreback Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar have impressed so far in the tournament.
Team manager Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar believes it can be done.
“The Thais are well prepared but our boys are in good condition. I know they will give the them a good fight.”
