Malaysian under-23 coach Ong Kim Swee has vowed to repay Malaysian fans for their unwavering support with an improved display against Bahrain in their Olympic qualifying third round Group C match at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil on Sunday.
Kim Swee said he was moved by the Malaysian fans loyalty in supporting the team to the end in their 2-0 loss to Syria on Wednesday.
"I truly am touched by the support of fans who turned up to cheer us. Although we lost, the fans did not desert us and supported us till the end, and even after the match they stayed on and continued to sing and cheer for us," said an emotional Kim Swee.
"We will surely be giving it all on the pitch this Sunday to repay the fans for the loyalty and support they have shown us all this while. This is definitely what they deserve from us."
Kim Swee added that the return of several key players will boost the team's chances of a good showing against Bahrain. Malaysia, still without a point after two matches, anchor Group C with Syria leading the group on six points ahead of second placed Japan, also on six points, thanks to a better goal difference.
"We have lost two matches now and it will be tough for us to win the group, but we are still going to try to at least finish in second place," said Kim Swee.
"It was hard for us (against Syria) as we were playing less than 48 hours after the Indonesia game and were also missing a number of players.
"Fadhli Shas was supposed to play but we lost him on match day as he was down with a fever.
However, we are are confident he will be back for Sunday and also expect Irfan Fazail and Syahrul Azwari Ibrahim to be fit for the match."
Kim Swee added that he was especially pleased with the performance of a fit-again Wan Zack Haikal Wan Nor on Wednesday and was expecting him to feature in the match against Bahrain.
The right-winger was left out of the recent Sea Games squad due to an ankle injury.
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