There is no time for celebration as Malaysia, the newly-crowned SEA Games champions, go straight into battle on another front today.
The team take on Syria in the Asian Zone final round Olympic qualifying tournament today.
Expectations are high after the success in Indonesia but, realistically, the team, who flew straight back after their epic win on Monday, face a difficult task. Not only are they very much fatigued heading into the match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, they must also somehow motivate themselves to rise to the occasion. Not an easy task so soon after the high of Jakarta.
There is no time for celebration as Malaysia, the newly-crowned SEA Games champions, go straight into battle on another front today.
Coach Ong Kim Swee and the players will be in a confident mood after defending the SEA Games gold medal by edging Indonesia 4-3 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 after extra-time.
However, they go into battle again after less than 48 hours without several key players who were injured in the SEA Games.
“If I had a say we wouldn’t be playing today as our players are still fatigued. But we have to follow the schedule,” said Kim Swee yesterday.
“This is not Asean level football so we can’t expect miracles. To get a point would be a good result but we are not going to settle for a draw at home.
“The crowd can play a vital role in motivating the players. I hope they will be there to support our players just like the Indonesian fans did for their team.”
Most of the players from the triumphant SEA Games squad will be making up the team except for skipper Baddrol Bakhtiar, leftback Mohd Asraruddin Putra Omar and striker Yong Kuong Yong, who are overage. The Olympic qualifiers are for players Under-22.
Strikers Izzat Farris Ramlan, Syahrul Azwari Ibrahim and winger Wan Zaharulnizam Wan Zakaria are confirmed out with injuries picked up in Jakarta.
Midfield maestro Gary Steven Robbat, who missed the SEA Games through injury, is still unavailable while midfielder Mohd Irfan Fazail and flanker Fandi Othman are doubtful starters.
However, winger Wan Zack Wan Haikal, who hurt his ankle during the 2-0 loss to Japan in Fukuoka two months ago, is back in contention after missing the SEA Games.
Syria, who beat Bahrain 3-1, top Group C ahead of Japan on goal difference.
Only 3.5 slots are given to Asia for the Olympics. The three group winners advance automatically while the three runners-up will play another round of matches before the winners face a playoff against another qualifier from Africa.
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