Unexpected struggle: Malaysia midfielder Danial Amier Norhisham in action against Timor Leste in their AFF Cup group match on Wednesday. The Harimau Malaya had to come from behind to win 3-2. — FAM
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia are going to need a little more bite when they face Thailand in their AFF Cup group stage fixture today.
After a narrow 3-2 win over Timor Leste on Wednesday, midfielder Danial Amier Norhisham knows the squad need to put on a better show when they face the War Elephants at the Rajamangala Stadium.
“It was a valuable win for us as the expectations were high. But we need to admit that we have our weaknesses and we need to do better,” said Danial.
“I think we need to be more aggressive and more eager to get the best result for the team.
“We need to know that we are facing a stronger team, but then again, nothing is impossible in football,” said the 27-year-old.
Malaysia are heading into the match sitting at top of Group A with four points, after drawing 2-2 in the opening fixture against Cambodia, while Thailand are second with three points and a game in hand.
As head coach Pau Marti Vicente takes charge of his final campaign with the Harimau Malaya at the tournament, Danial said the team have been adapting well to his methods, and it wasn’t the cause for struggling against both Cambodia and Timor Leste.
“Coach Vicente’s methods are not hard to adapt to. His style is easy to understand and follow.
“Many players have already been with him and that helps to build a good understanding within the team,” said the Kuching player, who is on loan from Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).
Although the squad have been feeling in sync with Vicente, several players will be missing the action in Bangkok as they have been recalled back to their respective clubs to compete in local tournaments this weekend.
Sabah’s Daniel Ting, Dominic Tan, Stuart Wilkin, and Darren Lok, along with Selangor’s Harith Haikal and Kalamullah Al-Hafiz are not in the squad, along with injury-stricken Syafiq Ahmad and Fergus Tierney.
