KUALA LUMPUR: Harimau Malaya defender Shahrul Saad hopes his third outing in the AFF Cup will be a memorable affair.
The 28-year-old made his AFF Cup debut in 2016, but Harimau Malaya failed to go beyond their group in Yangon.
However, two years later, he played an instrumental role in Malaysia's run into the final before losing 3-2 on aggregate to Vietnam.
"In 2018, we had a great chance to win the trophy for a second time. I hope to make amends this time by helping the team win the title," said Shahrul, who have made 14 appearances in two editions.
"Overall, the players are motivated and eager to do well."
Shahrul, together with his Johor Darul Ta'zim teammates Aidil Zafuan Radzak, Safawi Rasid, Akhyar Rashid, Syafiq Ahmad and Guilherme de Paula only joined the team two days before leaving for Singapore due to their commitments in the Malaysia Cup.
Malaysia will open their Group B campaign against Cambodia at Bishan Stadium, and Shahrul reminded his teammates not to take the Angkor Warriors lightly as opening matches are always tough.
"It is a very important game to win. Cambodia, I know, will give their best. However, I am confident we will do the same to achieve a positive result," Shahrul added.
"We have to give total commitment in every match in order to qualify for the final.
In the 2016 edition, Malaysia edged Cambodia 3-2 and won 1-0 two years later in Phnom Penh.