Defeat To China: Cheng Hoe Sees More Positives Than Negatives

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- Interim Harimau Malaya head coach Tan Cheng Hoe sees more positives than negatives in the 0-2 defeat to China in a Tier 1 international match at Zhaoqing New District Sports Centre in Guangdong yesterday.

Cheng Hoe said the national players had put up their best performance to match the prowess of their 96th-ranked opponents, particularly in the second half after trailing by two goals at half-time.

He said weaknesses in midfield had somewhat affected Malaysia's ball control in the first half, but the match provided an opportunity for several players to gain international experience.

"If you look at yesterday's match against China, we know our weaknesses and strengths. The players have shown their best performance, and we see many more positives than negatives.

"It is important to give players the opportunity to gain international playing experience, especially against China, who are strong physically and tactically. As a coach, I am satisfied with every individual's performance in the team," he said in a video clip shared with the media today.

He acknowledged that the defeat had somewhat affected the team's confidence but hoped the experience and momentum built, particularly in the second half, could be carried into the match against Yemen in another Tier 1 international fixture at the same venue on Tuesday.

"We will maintain the momentum and aim for a win to boost the team's confidence ahead of future challenges," Cheng Hoe said.

In yesterday's match, China took the lead through Wang Yudong in the 10th minute before captain Zhang Yuning doubled the advantage nine minutes later.

Malaysia, who were without several key players, improved their play in the second half and came close to reducing the deficit through Fergus Tierney in the 77th minute, but the goal was disallowed after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review detected a foul in the build-up.

Tierney was subsequently sent off towards the end of the match after receiving his second yellow card.

Malaysia are ranked 133rd in the world, while Yemen are 144th.

-- BERNAMA