Olympic squad aiming for draw with Japan in qualifier

The Malaysian Under-23 football team left for Fukuoka yesterday with the aim of returning home with a point.

The Malaysians will be playing favourites Japan in their opening Group C match of the Asian Zone Olympic qualifying tournament at the Tosu Stadium in Fukuoka on Sept 21. The other teams in the group are Bahrain and Syria.

“Japan have a strong reputation and history. Our preparations have been thorough and we are aware of their strength. Hopefully, we can hold them to a draw,” said national coach Ong Kim Swee before leaving with the 21-player squad for Fukuoka yesterday.

For the record, Malaysia have only qualified twice for the Olympics – in 1972 (Munich) and 1980 (Moscow).