KUALA LUMPUR: The national Under-23 squad have the potential to go far in the game.
That is the assessment of former national youth coach Ong Kim Swee of Brad Maloney's squad after the 1-0 extra-time defeat to hosts Vietnam in the Sea Games semi-finals on Thursday.
Malaysia will play Indonesia for the bronze, while Vietnam will face Thailand in the final both tomorrow.
"The boys were not afraid to take on Vietnam. Our five-man defence did well not to allow Vietnam too many chances," said Kim Swee yesterday.
"Apart from the goal, which started from a free-kick, Vietnam did not have many clear-cut chances.
"It was the semi-finals, and we cannot expect a beautiful game," the Sabah coach said, brushing off views that Malaysia were defensive on Thursday.
"I think Malaysia also had chances to score goals. However, our players must work on having more control in their opponent's half."
Kim Swee believes the ongoing Sea Games outing has been beneficial to Maloney's squad in the build-up to next month's Under-23 Asian Cup in Uzbekistan.
"These boys have improved from their days in the national Under-19 squad. They have progressed well. However, my concern is when they return to their clubs after the Asian Cup.
"Of course, clubs have their targets and will play their best players. However, these young players have to be developed accordingly for the next five years in order to improve.
"These players need about 20 to 40 high-intensity matches a year, but some are not getting regular football at their clubs."
Kim Swee hopes the team will do their best in tomorrow's bronze-medal match against Indonesia.
"I know everyone is frustrated after the semi-finals, but they need to forget about the past.
"They have to remain motivated for Sunday's game as winning a bronze will give them the confidence ahead of the Uzbekistan assignment."