HANOI: National coach Tan Cheng Hoe is ready to field his best players for Saturday’s AFF Cup final return leg against Vietnam but it could be a risky move for Harimau Malaya.
The return of defenders Aidil Zafuan Radzak and Syazwan Andik from hamstring problems is good news for Malaysia. However, it is still a question mark on whether both can survive for 90 minutes playing in cold weather at the My Dinh Stadium.
Right-back Syahmi Safari will also return after serving a one-match suspension in the first leg.
“Syahmi (Safawi), Aidil dan Syazwan all did not play in the first leg, but they are available for tomorrow’s game, so I will field my best squad,” said Cheng Hoe at the pre-match conference here on Friday.
In the first leg on Tuesday in Bukit Jalil, Malaysia bounced back from two goals down to hold Vietnam to a 2-2 draw.
Syazwan took two weeks to recover from his injury while Aidil rested for nine days.
The availability of the three regulars, however, is crucial as they are seen as the best options to stop Vietnam’s strike force. It will be Malaysia’s third meeting with Vietnam in this year’s edition. In the group stage, Malaysia lost 2-0 in Hanoi.
Malaysia need to beat Hanoi as Vietnam hold the advantage of having two away goals.
Cheng Hoe also advised his players to keep cool and also avoid confrontations during the match.
“My players need to be cool and patient. I have told them not to be too emotional on the pitch.
“It will be a high tension match and we need to just play our game.
“We cannot afford to defend as they have the away goals.
“My players know what they must do and I hope we will get a positive result,” he added.