MALAYSIA cannot afford to take risks in Hanoi despite needing goals to overcome Vietnam in the AFF Cup semi-final, return leg at My Dinh Stadium tomorrow.
Following the 2-1 defeat to Vietnam in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, Dollah Salleh’s side must beat the former champions by two clear goals to reach the final.
For the record, Malaysia have never beaten Vietnam in their own backyard.
Dollah indicated that some fringe players will start tomorrow, replacing those who underperformed in the first leg.
”My players must be prepared mentally but some are still feeling down. I have not decided whether we should gamble by playing an attacking game or depend on counter-attacks for goals,” said Dollah in Hanoi yesterday.
“I am using the break to motivate the players by reminding them that the battle is not over yet. Right-back Mahali Jasuli and several others who did not perform in the first leg, will unlikely see action on Thursday.
“S. Kunanlan could be Mahali’s replacement in the right-back position while midfielder Badhri Radzi could get his first start. The result of the first leg still haunts me as my players did not maintain discipline.
“I am concerned with the team’s mental toughness as they could not defend their lead in the first leg. They also failed to do so against Thailand and Singapore in the group stage.”
Dollah, however, will have more options with the return of captain Shukor Adan and winger Amri Yahyah from suspension.
The 51-year-old said the players are also racing against time to adapt to the cold weather in Hanoi.
”Some felt the chill after our first training session on Monday (yesterday). But I am certain they will be fine in the match.”
On whether Vietnam fans have been hostile with his team in Hanoi following the fracas in the first leg, Dollah said everyone has been very accommodating.
”Everything is normal here. They have been very friendly. I don’t foresee any issues as security is tight here,” Dollah added.