Malaysia's Sepak Takraw Team Keeping Close Watch On World Cup Rivals Thailand

KUALA LUMPUR, May 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's sepak takraw team is keeping a close watch on Thailand, their main rivals in the 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup, said head coach Ahmad Jais Baharudin.

The national team has been tracking their playing style closely. He described the Thai side as more consistent, boosted by their quality mix of young players. 

"We've been watching Thailand and other teams since day one to do our homework. Looking at the Thai players, especially their young players and their striker, they are impressive.

"They appear more consistent, and we need to ensure our players adapt quickly and don't feel awkward playing as hosts," he told reporters at the Titiwangsa Stadium here today.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Jais said the national regu squad is not underestimating the challenge posed by the Philippines in tonight's quarter-final clash, even though Malaysia enters the match with a stronger reputation.

Past meetings prove the Philippines can trouble Malaysia, including at last year's Asia Cup, when the national squad escaped with a tie-break win.

"Every match counts. We won't underestimate anyone; that only adds pressure on ourselves. The regu event is wide open. Every team has strengths. We just need to be sharper,  tactically, defensively and in attack," he said.

He admitted the national regu squad's momentum is not at its peak yet. Players look slow to find rhythm, especially in morning matches.

He rates the team's overall performance so far at just 70 to 80 per cent and expects improvement starting tonight against the Philippines.

The national regu squad stormed into the quarter-finals by topping Group A, cruising to a 2-0 win over Singapore in today's third group match.

That result set up a quarter-final clash with the Philippines, the Group D runners-up, tonight.

-- BERNAMA