SEPANG: Centre-back Aidil Zafuan Radzak has revealed that he is now 100 per cent fit and is ready to play in the AFF Cup final return leg against Vietnam in Hanoi on Saturday.
The 31-year-old missed the 2-2 draw in the first leg in Bukit Jalil on Tuesday after picking up a hamstring injury against Thailand in the semi-finals.
Left-back Syazwan Andik has also returned to full fitness from a similar injury while right-back Syahmi Safari will also be available after serving a one-match suspension in the first leg.
With a full strength defensive line-up, national coach Tan Cheng Hoe will have solid unit to take on Vietnam.
“We are going to give Vietnam a good fight. Of course, Vietnam have the advantage in terms of away goals, but I believe we can turn the tide on them,” said Aidil before leaving for Hanoi with his teammates at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport here on Thursday.
Aidil, who is among the most experienced players in the team, also reminded his teammates to keep cool and not to retaliate against Vietnam’s aggressive play.
“In the first leg, Vietnam players were rough and some of us retaliated. I hope we will be more cautious and also maintain our cool. They will work very hard and also chase for every ball.”
“We need to keep our eye on winning the top prize, and avoid getting provoked by Vietnam players. I believe their aggressive play is part of a tactical ploy by their coach Park Hang Seo, so we need to be careful.
“Our coach (Tan Cheng Hoe) has also reminded us to be mentally strong to face these adversities, both from Vietnam’s players and their fans.”
The Johor Darul Ta’zim player said: “If we can beat Thailand then we can beat any team, so overcoming Vietnam is not impossible.
“I do not want to see a repeat of the first leg where we conceded first. We need to score first in Hanoi to put pressure on them.
“We need to be a step ahead in the return leg,” he said.
Aidil noted: “The team’s success is because everyone feels they are one family.
“Cheng Hoe makes us feel comfortable. He has instilled the importance of togetherness among us and we want to fight for the nation. We will not quit until the final whistle,” he added.