KUALA LUMPUR: Kyrgyzstan coach Stefan Tarkovic has commended Kim Pan Gon's national team, hailing them as the best Harimau Malaya squad in the last decade. As his world No. 97 side prepare to face No. 137 Malaysia in the World Cup-Asian Cup qualifying Group D match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Nov 16, Tarkovic is expecting a tough challenge.
Tarkovic, who previously coached Slovakia, believes that naturalised players have significantly enhanced the quality of the Harimau Malaya team. He also expressed his admiration for their head coach Kim Pan Gon.
"The team are steadily growing and improving under his guidance," said Tarkovic.
While acknowledging Harimau Malaya's strength, Tarkovic also noted that every team has their weaknesses.
"Although Harimau Malaya are strong, they still have weak points. If we want to succeed on Nov 16, we must exploit their weaknesses," Tarkovic told Timesport.
"Pan Gon's side have leaders in every formation, and we have gathered information on the Malaysian players.
"We will use that information to prepare tactically for the game."
Tarkovic believes that the upcoming matches against Malaysia and Oman (on Nov 21) in the World Cup-Asian Cup qualifying Group D are crucial for his team.
He sees these games as an early indication of his team's potential in the qualifiers.
"Our goal is to advance to the 2027 Asian Cup and qualify for the next phase of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers," he said.
Tarkovic also touched on the pitch condition at the National Stadium. The new zeon zoysia grass failed to hold up well during the recent Merdeka Tournament.
"I know conditions will not be easy. However, we have players who will fight for the country.
"The stadium will definitely have a great atmosphere, which the home fans will certainly create. We are very much looking forward to the match."
The first and only time Malaysia played Kyrgyzstan was in 2018, with the White Falcons winning 1-0 at Hang Jebat Stadium, Melaka.
The other teams in Group D are Oman and Taiwan.