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Malaysia ready for Causeway derby as race to Asean Cup final heats up

JAKARTA, Sept 29 — Malaysia are ready to take on Singapore in their final Fifa Asean Cup 2026 Division 1 Group A match in Bandung this Thursday despite a demanding turnaround,...

Malay MailMalay Mail2026-09-29 13:37查看原文 ↗

Malaysia are set to play Singapore in their final Fifa Asean Cup 2026 Group A match, despite a challenging schedule, according to interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe.

Coach Cheng Hoe praised the team's confidence from previous matches but anticipates a tough encounter against Singapore, emphasising the importance of recovery and preparation.

Malaysia lead Group A with four points, equal with Indonesia but ahead on goal difference, while Singapore are third and Bangladesh are in last place.

JAKARTA, Sept 29 — Malaysia are ready to take on Singapore in their final Fifa Asean Cup 2026 Division 1 Group A match in Bandung this Thursday despite a demanding turnaround, says interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe.

Cheng Hoe said the Harimau Malaya had gained valuable confidence and experience from their two opening matches, including last night’s goalless draw with hosts Indonesia at Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium here.

However, he expects another stern test when Malaysia face Singapore at Stadium Si Jalak Harupat, with the race for a place in the final still wide open.

“I think our players gained experience, confidence and so many moments as a team. We still have a tough game playing against Singapore, as we said, it is a Causeway derby.

“We know playing against Singapore will be another tough match, but I’m sure after getting this good result against Indonesia, we are ready,” he told a post-match press conference after Malaysia’s 0-0 draw with Indonesia.

The 58-year-old coach said recovery and preparation would be crucial for Malaysia after two physically demanding matches and a journey to Bandung.

“We have a a tough time also, we have to travel to Bandung. It’s not an excuse but sometimes in football, you need a good recovery, good preparation and we are ready to play against Singapore,” he said.

The former Kedah and Selangor FC coach said the technical staff would assess the players’ fitness before deciding on the best starting line-up and any changes for the Singapore clash.

Meanwhile, on the understanding displayed by Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) players in the national side, Cheng Hoe said their established chemistry provided an advantage but stressed that Malaysia’s success depended on a collective performance.

“The chemistry and understanding of the JDT players give us an advantage, but football requires us to play as a team, not only JDT players. I focus on the team performance,” he said.

Malaysia lead Group A with four points, level with second-placed Indonesia but ahead on goal difference, while Singapore are third on three points and Bangladesh remain bottom without a point.

In the inaugural tournament, the group winners will advance to the final, while the runners-up will contest the third-place playoff, with both matches scheduled to be held at GBK next Monday. — Bernama

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尽管赛程充满挑战，但马来西亚队临时主教练陈清和表示，马来西亚队将在 2026 年 FIFA 东盟杯 A 组的最后一场比赛中对阵新加坡队。

郑和教练称赞了球队在前几场比赛中展现出的自信，但也预料到与新加坡的比赛将会很艰难，并强调了恢复和准备的重要性。

马来西亚以4分领跑A组，与印度尼西亚积分相同，但因净胜球优势领先；新加坡排名第三，孟加拉国排名垫底。

雅加达，9月29日——马来西亚临时主教练陈清和表示，尽管赛程安排十分紧迫，但马来西亚队已做好准备，将于本周四在万隆迎战新加坡队，进行2026年国际足联东盟杯甲级A组的最后一场比赛。

郑和表示，马来虎队从前两场比赛中获得了宝贵的信心和经验，包括昨晚在格罗拉蓬卡诺体育场与东道主印度尼西亚队0-0战平的比赛。

然而，他预计马来西亚在西贾拉克哈鲁帕体育场迎战新加坡时将面临另一场严峻的考验，决赛席位的争夺仍然非常激烈。