NATIONAL Under-18 coach Brad Maloney and his Australian counterpart, Gary Van Egmond, have known each other through football for about 25 years.
Apart from being ex-Australian internationals, both also played for Fairfield-based Marconi Stallions FC from 1995 to 1997.
Despite having a good friendship, they will not do favours for each other when their teams face-off in today’s final of the AFF Under-18 Championship in Vietnam.
Malaysia, who thrashed Australia 3-0 in the group stage, are seen as favourites to retain their crown.
“We’ve known each other through football for about 25 years. We also played for the same team in the mid-90s,” he said.
Maloney disclosed that his exhausted players are now racing against time to recover, after the tough semi-final win, for the final against Australia.
Malaysia edged Indonesia 4-3 in extra time while Australia defeated Myanmar 2-1 in Saturday’s semi-finals.
“The semi-final against Indonesia was tough in all aspects. Indonesia were fresher as they had one additional rest day before the match.
“But my players showed incredible fighting spirit, despite being tired, for the win.
“Australia will be tough. It is a matter of how fast my players can recover after playing for 120 minutes on a heavy pitch against Indonesia.
“However, my team are looking forward to the final,” said Maloney.