TEAM manager Datuk Subahan Kamal has warned the Malaysian players not to take Indonesia lightly when the two teams meet in the Suzuki Cup second-leg final in Jakarta tonight.
He reminded them of Malaysia’s failure in the semi-finals of the 2004 championship (then for the Tiger Cup) when they were beaten 3-5 on aggregate by Indonesia.
Malaysia won the first-leg match 2-1 in Jakarta but were then beaten 1-4 on home ground in the return match.
Subahan added that the boys were in high spirits after scoring a stunning 3-0 win over Indonesia in the first-leg final in Bukit Jalil on Sunday.
“What we did to Indonesia in our home match, they are capable of doing the same at their home here,” warned Subahan yesterday.
He added that the players had to be cautious because Indonesia would come charging at them from the first whistle.
“They need three goals to drag us into extra time.
“They have already beaten us here (1-5) in the group match.
“It is important for our boys not to crack and concede an early goal,” said Subahan.
“The players’ mental approach has to be strong.
“They are bound to use all tactics in the book to break us down. We have to be firm and not to be intimidated by their fans.”
Lifting the Suzuki Cup tonight will be one for Malaysia to cherish as they have not emerged as champions in the series since the inaugural tournament in 1996.
Indonesia went into the final against Malaysia as the favourite after a 100% win record in five matches. They are now the underdogs to win the Cup tonight.
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