MALAYSIA have set a difficult target of reaching the final of the AFF Futsal Championship, which starts tomorrow, at Malawati Stadium in Shah Alam.
Maizal Hairi Marzuki’s side will open their Group A campaign against Indonesia on the opening day followed by Brunei on Saturday, Australia (Monday) and Timor Leste (Tuesday).
But to achieve the target, the team must top the group to avoid nine-time champions Thailand in the semi-finals.
Thailand are in Group B with Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos and the Philippines.
FA of Malaysia (FAM) futsal and beach soccer committee chairman Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi said his team must take full advantage of playing at home to make the final.
“No team can beat Thailand in this competition so topping our group will be crucial,” said Yusoff.
“Australia are our main rivals followed by Indonesia but of course, Brunei and Timor Leste are decent teams.”
Malaysia lost to Australia 5-1 in the final of last year’s Oceania Championship and were also beaten 5-4 by Indonesia at the 2013 Sea Games in Naypyidaw.
Malaysia have reached the final of the AFF tournament three times in the previous 10 editions but failed to make the semi-finals in Bangkok last year.
Entry is free for the duration of the tournament. By Ajitpal Singh