KUALA LUMPUR: National coach Tan Cheng Hoe hopes Harimau Malaya’s good track record against Vietnam in two-legged ties in the previous AFF Cup editions will not invite complacency.
The 50-year-old said the final return leg in Hanoi on Saturday will be an uphill task for his team.
In Tuesday’s first leg in Bukit Jalil, Malaysia were held 2-2 by Vietnam.
“We have a mountain to climb in Hanoi. Of course, there is a chance as we did not lose the first leg but it can only be achieved if my players perform 100 per cent.
“They need to be prepared both mentally and physically for the challenge,” said Cheng Hoe before leaving to Hanoi with his players at the KLIA in Sepang on Thursday.
Cheng Hoe said the key to winning in Hanoi will be to score early goals.
“We need early goals to gain confidence which we can built on during the match. Everyone just need to focus and also minimise mistakes,” he said.
In the semi-finals in 2014, Malaysia were edged 2-1 by Vietnam at home but surprised the World No 100 in Hanoi by winning 4-2 in the return leg to qualify for the final on a 5-3 aggregate.
In 2010, Malaysia won 2-0 at home and drew 0-0 away for a 2-0 aggregate success.
However, things are slightly different this time as Vietnam are the overwhelming favourites. Park Hang Seo’s side are on a high following the successes in the AFC Under-23 Championship and the Indonesia Asian Games.
Cheng Hoe is relieved that his defenders Aidil Zafuan Radzak, Syazwan Andik and Syahmi Safari will be available for the return leg.
“Aidil and Syazwan have recovered from hamstring problems and they should be 100 per cent fit for the match.
“Syahmi will return after serving a one-match suspension in the first leg. I hope their return will add stability in defence,” he added.