KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- Malaysia who head to Indonesia for the Asean Football Federation Cup (AFF Suzuki Cup) starting Dec 1, as the 'underdog', remains confident of a good performance.
National coach K. Rajagobal said since most of the players in the squad are young, Rajagobal believes the tournament would be a good exposure and experience for the players and at the same time serve as a platform for players to showcase their skills.
"It is only natural that we hope to win every tournament that we participate but if the players can give a good performance, I will be happy," he told Bernama when contacted on Monday.
He added that Malaysia's main rivals in the tournament would be Indonesia who would have home ground advantage and traditional powerhouse Thailand who have won the title three times since its inauguration in 1996.
Singapore has also won the title three times while Vietnam have emerged as the latest powerhouse in Asean football by winning the title in 2008 and will start as the defending champion.
Malaysia's only spark in the tournament was appearing in the final of the 1996 edition but lost 0-1 to Thailand.
In the 2008 edition of the Biennial tournament, the national team who scored their only win against minnows Laos, and lost both their matches to Thailand and Vietnam, failed to make the second.
Rajagobal said he was always realistic is setting targets for the team and believes winning the tournament would be a bonus.
In the AFF fixtures released, Malaysia are drawn in Group A, together with Indonesia, Thailand and Laos.
Malaysia play host Indonesia on Dec 1, before taking on Thailand on Dec 4 and Laos on Dec 7.
National coach K. Rajagobal said since most of the players in the squad are young, Rajagobal believes the tournament would be a good exposure and experience for the players and at the same time serve as a platform for players to showcase their skills.
"It is only natural that we hope to win every tournament that we participate but if the players can give a good performance, I will be happy," he told Bernama when contacted on Monday.
He added that Malaysia's main rivals in the tournament would be Indonesia who would have home ground advantage and traditional powerhouse Thailand who have won the title three times since its inauguration in 1996.
Singapore has also won the title three times while Vietnam have emerged as the latest powerhouse in Asean football by winning the title in 2008 and will start as the defending champion.
Malaysia's only spark in the tournament was appearing in the final of the 1996 edition but lost 0-1 to Thailand.
In the 2008 edition of the Biennial tournament, the national team who scored their only win against minnows Laos, and lost both their matches to Thailand and Vietnam, failed to make the second.
Rajagobal said he was always realistic is setting targets for the team and believes winning the tournament would be a bonus.
In the AFF fixtures released, Malaysia are drawn in Group A, together with Indonesia, Thailand and Laos.
Malaysia play host Indonesia on Dec 1, before taking on Thailand on Dec 4 and Laos on Dec 7.
-- BERNAMA
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