NATIONAL coach Tan Cheng Hoe hopes to capitalise on info from a War Elephants spy when Malaysia battle Thailand in Saturday’s AFF Cup first-leg at Bukit Jalil.
National player Shahrel Fikri Md Fauzi, 24, does have a good knowledge of Siamese football, having played for a year with Thai club, Nakhon Ratchasima.
On Saturday, Cheng Hoe has to come up with a strategy to counter Thai hitmen Adisak Kraisorn and Sanrawat Dechmitr.
“I hope Shahrel can make good use of his experience in helping his teammates. Thailand are really strong, as they have scored so many goals in the group stages.
“And this combination between Andisak and Sanrawat is very dangerous, especially Sanrawat who has the most assists in the AFF Cup.
“If we can block these two dangermen, I’m sure we’ll get a positive result,” said Cheng Hoe.
Shahrel has discussed with Cheng Hoe the weaknesses and strengths of the Thais and he is familiar with the game of the War Elephants captain, Chalermpong Kerdkaew.
“The Thailand captain was the captain of the team I was with (Nakhon Ratchasima).
There’s a reason why he’s the best. I know a bit about his strengths and weaknesses.
“I also told my teammates a bit about some of the Thai players who I have played with before.
“They are nothing like that of our Super League players. Their defence is good and their attack is even better.”