Harimau Malaya Ready For Vietnam Test Despite Setback, Says Cklamovski

KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 (Bernama) -- National head coach Peter Cklamovski is confident that Harimau Malaya are fully prepared for a stern challenge against Vietnam in their last Group F match of the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Nam Dinh, tomorrow night.

Cklamovski said his players are ready to embrace the challenge despite facing a quality opponent on their home ground.

“We come here prepared, ready and ready for a tough game against a very good opponent. We're looking forward to that challenge and do everything we can to get the victory,” he told a pre-match press conference today.

The Australian tactician, however admitted the team are still reeling from the recent setback involving FIFA sanctions and points deduction imposed by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), which severely affected Malaysia’s chances of qualifying.

“Listen, it's obvious to say that we're disappointed with the outcome and devastated because something completely out of our control has impacted the chance to qualify but again, to simplify things for us, we control what we can control, the way we train, the way we operate as a national team.

“In tough times, it gives you a really good chance to measure yourself as men, as a group, as a national team. This camp, I’ve got to say I’m very proud of the players and staff and the commitment they have,” he said.

Cklamovski stressed that Malaysia will maintain their winning mentality regardless of circumstances as they aim to end their campaign on a high note.

He said the match also presents an opportunity for Malaysia to end a long-standing winless run against Vietnam away from home, stretching over a decade.

“We always have that mentality to win the next game no matter who it is against and what circumstances. That doesn't change tomorrow night.

“At the same time, Malaysia has not beaten Vietnam away from home for over 12 years or something like that, so there's something to chase there. It’s a challenge, and we do it through our football,” he said.

Malaysia last recorded an away victory over Vietnam with a 4-2 win in the second leg of the semi-finals of the 2014 AFF Championship in Hanoi.

Meanwhile, defender Dion Cools echoed his coach’s sentiments, highlighting the squad’s determination heading into the crucial encounter.

“We always know it’s a tough game against Vietnam, so the players are extra motivated. The team has trained well and, yeah, we’re ready to have a good game tomorrow,” he said.

Malaysia’s hopes of featuring in the Asian Cup Finals on merit for the second consecutive time were dashed after being docked six points by the AFC.

Vietnam, who have qualified for the 2027 Asian Cup Finals, leading Group F with 15 points, followed by Malaysia in second spot with nine points. Laos and Nepal are third and fourth, respectively, with three points each.

Recently, the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Committee found that Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) had breached Article 56 of the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Code for fielding ineligible players in two Asian Cup 2027 qualifying matches against Nepal and Vietnam.

-- BERNAMA