KUALA LUMPUR: National Under-23 squad coach Ong Kim Swee has stressed all the players have a chance to grab ‘tickets’ to China after the team defeated Honam University 1-0 in their second friendly match in South Korea today.
According to him, every player will be given an equal chance to prove themselves in the remaining two friendly matches to ensure every player understands the team’s tactics and strategies before the final list of players for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-23 Championship is announced.
"I gave all the players a chance to play during the friendly match against Honam University today, except for Ahmad Khairil Anuar and Akhyar Rashid who are carrying light injuries.
"The best combination will be fielded during our final friendly match in China as part of the preparations before our first match against Iraq,” he said when contacted earlier today.
After being held to a 1-1 draw against Mokpo City prior to this, Kim Swee’s charges managed to notch their first victory after beating Honam University 1-0 thanks to Pahang’s young forward R. Kogileswaran who scored with only six minutes remaining.
The Under-23 squad will play one more friendly match in South Korea against Jeonju Citizens before their final friendly match in China.
Speaking further about the friendly match against Honam University, the former national senior team coach admitted there were no obvious weaknesses shown by the team, with welcome improvements shown compared to previous friendly matches.
"Our first-eleven need to show more confidence especially in trying to wrestle control of the game and play to our strengths especially when put under pressure by our opponents.
"Improvements from one game to another are more important instead of chasing after results for the time being. However from what I see, the understanding and camaraderie between the players is much better compared to previous matches.
"Playing consistently should be continued especially for the next couple of matches and I am satisfied because the weather is not a hindrance as the players have managed to acclimatise themselves well,” he said.