IT could be Ong Kim Swee’s final 90 minutes as the national coach when his team face the Philippines in a friendly at Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila today.
But the Malacca-born won’t think about it as he is only focused on the friendly and wants his players to give undivided attention and commitment for a good result.
There have been speculations that Kim Swee will be replaced under the new leadership of the FA of Malaysia (FAM), which will be decided at the association’s election on Saturday.
If there are changes to the coaching set-up, then today’s friendly could be the last for some in the squad as retirees and selected players may suddenly become available for international assignments under a new coach.
As for the Philippines, they have big dreams going into the friendly.
Thomas Dooley’s side not only aim to beat Malaysia for the first time in more than two decades, they also want to qualify for the 2019 Asian Cup and break into the world’s top 100 in the next 14 months.
The Philippines are the highest ranked Southeast Asian team at World No 124 and are 37 rungs above Malaysia.
For the record, the Philippines’ only win over Malaysia since 1962 was the 1-0 success at the 1991 Manila Sea Games.
The last four meetings between both nations have ended in draws with Malaysia last recording a win over their Southeast Asian opponent in 2007.
Striker Safee Sali said at the pre-match conference in Manila yesterday: “It will be a tough game. We are here representing Malaysia and we will take pride in our national jersey, and give our utmost best tomorrow. The target is to beat the Philippines at all cost.
“The Philippines want a positive result ahead of the Asian Cup Qualifying match against Nepal (on March 28) but we have our goals too. We want to prove something tomorrow.”
Dooley said the next 14 months will be crucial for Filipino football. “We must win all our matches in order to break into the top 100 Fifa ranking and also qualify for the Asian Cup.
“It has been a long time since we last beat Malaysia… of course we will try to end the drought tomorrow. However, this friendly will only be used as a warm-up for our important Asian Cup Qualifier against Nepal.”
Both teams will miss one player each today. Malaysia centre-back Fadhli Shas is down with an ankle problem while Spanish-born Carlo De Murga of the Philippines has not recovered from a hamstring injury.