BURIRAM: Malaysia face the prospect of ending 2017 without an international win as they complete their season on Monday with an Asian Cup Group B qualifying match against North Korea at I-Mobile Stadium.
Malaysia have played seven international matches this year with a record of two draws and five defeats.
Having suffered a 4-1 defeat to North Korea on Friday, national coach Nelo Vingada faces a tough task of motivating his players for Monday’s match.
Safiq Rahim will be available after serving a suspension on Friday and the national captain is expected to start and lead Malaysia’s midfield.
Utility player Adam Nor Azlin is expected to earn his first cap and the Selangor-born is likely to play in the heart of defence replacing Kiki Insa.
“It was a poor result on Friday, but it does not mean that we have to give up...we are obligated to fight on. We have to focus even though in our hearts we already know the difficult situation we are now facing,” said Vingada on Monday.
“I will probably make changes as some players injured. Those injured are Syamer Kutty Abba, Fazly Mazlan and S. Kunanlan, but I will see whether they can recover tomorrow.”
The Portuguese lamented on the fact that his players are suffering from a weak domestic league as compared to the realities of international football.
“We have players who are really tired because the rhythm of the game we played against North Korea on Friday was not the rhythm they normally play in Malaysia.”
“At this level, players need to run and have more speed. In our league, players do not have to run a lot as utilising just their quality is enough to win matches.
“And when we played Hong Kong and North Korea, the pace and quality of these teams were at a different level. It is like racing against super cars.
“In order to achieve this high level, we need to be better prepared.”
The former Saudi Arabia coach is hopeful that the gradual improvement of the domestic league in Malaysia in the coming years can become a springboard for better times for the national team.