KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia face a crucial match against Bahrain tomorrow in the Asian Cup Group E at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, needing a victory to stay in contention for a spot in the last 16.
Both teams suffered defeats in their opening matches, with Malaysia losing 4-0 to Jordan and Bahrain falling 3-1 to former champions South Korea.
The Dilmun Warriors, ranked No. 86, are favourites tomorrow, having won seven of the last 12 encounters against the world No. 130 Malaysia.
Notably, Bahrain won 2-1 in their last meeting on June 11, 2002, during an Asian Cup qualifier.
Malaysia hasn't beaten Bahrain since their 2-1 triumph in the President's Cup in 1978.
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) Sports Science Associate Professor Dr Zulakbal Abdul Karim said the match is a do-or-die mission and Malaysia must forget about past records.
Furthermore, he added that most Bahrain players play in their domestic league.
"However, the leagues in the Middle East are of high quality, and Bahrain will be very competitive tomorrow," said Zulakbal, who holds an Asian Football Confederation coaching diploma.
"Malaysia must treat the game like a final. Losing to Bahrain will end Malaysia's hopes of advancing to the next state.
"My advice is not to focus on Bahrain. The Malaysia must be proactive in their approach.
"I believe the team have a chance of winning the match as long as they do not make drastic changes to their strategy.
"Malaysia also need Arif Aiman Hanapi and Faisal Halim in opposite flanks to be more effective.
Meanwhile, Azraai Khor Abdullah, who was part of the national team that beat Bahrain 2-1 in 1978, said the Dilmun Warriors were not as good in the 1970s.
"We beat Bahrain, but it was a long time ago. Bahrain were regarded as minnows back then. They are now an improved team," said Azraai.
"It will be tough tomorrow. But I believe the coaches will do the necessary to motivate the players to bounce back."