PHNOM PENH, May 5 — National SEA Games Under-22 squad goalkeeper Sikh Izhan Nazrel Sikh Azman has reminded team mates to be aware of Thailand’s set pieces when they face their arch-rival in a men’s Group B action at the Prince Stadium tomorrow.
Sikh Izhan said through the video analysis and monitoring of Thailand’s lethal approach to attack, it was evident that such an approach may endanger Malaysia’s defence and indirectly pose a threat in the box, especially through their set pieces which have proven to be their dangerous ‘weapon’.
“We must also be aware of their splitting passes, especially from midfield and focus more on the defensive side. Though there are some new faces, some have played for their senior team and their top league.
“Therefore, they have the experience which will translate into an advantage but we also have players who are playing in the Premier League,” he told the Malaysian media during a training session at the EDC Stadium, earlier today.
Apart from the opponent, the playing surface must also be taken into consideration said Sikh Izhan who hopes there will be better coordination and communication with his defence so that there will not be another mistake like the one during Malaysia’s 5 – 1 victory over Laos in the first match.
After taking the lead through Muhammad Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili, Malaysia conceded an own goal when a defender attempted to clear a cross by Phetdavanh Somsanid from Laos in the 21st minute for the equaliser.
Meanwhile, striker Muhammad Aliff Izwan Yuslan who has been working on his goal-scoring technique before facing the 2021 SEA Games runner-up, has also been focusing on set pieces to score as many goals as possible.
Muhammad Aliff however, admitted that he was under a little pressure since Thailand is 16 times the winner of the gold medal in the history of the SEA Games.
The match will be a preview of what to expect because whatever the outcome of the match, Malaysia’s hopes will rest on the remaining match against defending champion Vietnam, who is also drawn in Group B.
Malaysia will be looking to recapture the glory of the Malaysian squad that won the gold 12 years ago.
Malaysia and Thailand have played only one match each and have three points each while Singapore and Laos have yet to win any points.
Vietnam as the defending champion have six points from two wins.
— Bernama
