Tan Cheng Hoe Claims Malaysia Is Ready To Attack Indonesia In The AFF Cup Final Group B Match

Tan Cheng Hoe (Photo: ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The coach of the Malaysian national team, Tan Cheng Hoe, confirmed that his squad will attack Indonesia in the final match of Group B of the 2020 AFF Cup at the National Stadium, Singapore, Sunday (19/12), at 19.30 WIB.

“We have to create as many chances as possible in Indonesia's defence. Every goal we score is very important," said Tan as quoted by ANTARA, Saturday, December 18.

The 53-year-old man emphasized that every player has understood the situation that only victory can bring Malaysia to the semifinals of the AFF Cup 2020. The squad nicknamed the Malayan Tigers inevitably have to attack opponents for goals.

Even so, Tan Cheng Hoe realized that Indonesia had a neat and disciplined defense. This was seen when Indonesia held Vietnam to a goalless draw, Wednesday (15/12). Vietnam could not score a single goal against the “Garuda” team despite making 21 shots and making 69.1 percent possession of the ball.

Not only that, Tan also assessed that Indonesia was very good in the transition from defense to attack. This is of course a homework for Malaysia.

“Indonesia's transition is very fast. So we must always focus, how to anticipate their attacks when we lose the ball," said the man from Kedah.

In order to realize the target of qualifying for the top four, Tan also asked his players to only concentrate on football. He does not want his foster children to be diverted to other things given the fierce rivalry between Malaysia and Indonesia.

The Malaysian national team itself is currently in a positive atmosphere because the players who previously tested positive for COVID-19 have recovered and have completed quarantine.

The “Tiger Malaya” squad also received new energy with the arrival of a defender who plays for club FC Midtjylland in the Danish League, Dion Cools. Cools arrives on Thursday, December 16th. Despite being only 25 years old, Cools has a lot of experience in Europe. He has already featured in the Europa League and the 2021-2022 Champions League Qualifiers.