KUALA LUMPUR: National captain Zaquan Adha Radzak has advised his teammates not to give up hope following the failure to beat Vietnam in the AFF Cup final first leg match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Tuesday.
Vietnam took a two-goal lead before Malaysia bounced back for a 2-2 draw.
Both teams will meet again in the return leg in Hanoi on Saturday.
“I told my teammates in the changing room that we still have a chance of winning it. I also told them not to stop when they are tired, but only do so when the mission is done,” said the 31-year-old after the match on Tuesday.
“We need to be positive and also to remain strong as a team. We cannot blame each other for what had happened in today’s game.
“The secret is to move on and focus on the return leg.”
Zaquan said Vietnam are expected to press even harder for goals in Hanoi.
“They were quick and enterprising today, and I think they will try harder on Saturday.
“We need to play like champions in order to be champions. We are not scared of them.
“For now, we need to work on our weaknesses for the game,” he added.