SINGAPORE (23 Nov 2014) – Malaysian coach Dollah Salleh only took the reins of the team some four months ago and did not have much time to prepare his team. He managed to squeeze in a few friendlies and ended up losing four of the five matches they played.
Despite the poor record, which has resulted in some severe criticisim from the fans, Dollah still believes in the team he has selected.
“I could see something in our last game against Vietnam. We did well in the first half although we eventually lost.”
The former Malaysian striker said the team had been improving with every game. “I’ve probably had about two to three weeks with the team in all but I believe they are capable of doing something here,” said Dollah, who later paid tribute to Raddy Avramovic.
“He is a good coach and has done a lot of good work in Myanmar. He was coaching when I was still playing. Now I’m sitting here beside him,” said Dollah. “We must watch out for Myanmar tomorrow, I saw them in action in Laos and they were very good.”
Raddy meanwhile said that while Malaysia were relying on some of their older players, they would still be a threat. “We are here after coming through the qualifiers. And I tell you, the qualifying competition was really tough as we had matches every other day. It will be a big challenge for us here.”
For Malaysia and Myanmar, the two will be facing each other for the first time in the AFF Suzuki Cup since 2006. They have somehow avoided each other in the last three editions, 2008, 2010 and 2012.
The last time they actually crossed swords was in 2006 where they ended up sharing points. In 2004, Myanmar surprised Malaysia in the group stage but lost the 3rd-4th placing playoff.
After eight years, the two teams will once again square off in the opening Group B match of the AFF Suzuki Cup at the Jalan Besar Stadium tomorrow evening.
