KUALA LUMPUR: Sports analyst Datuk Richard Scully has urged Harimau Malaya to rise to the occasion in the Asian Cup from Jan 12-Feb 10 in Doha, Qatar.
Richard wants to see Harimau Malaya to seize the moment and produce good results at the Asian Games.
Malaysia are making their first Asian Cup appearance on merit since the 1980 edition.
"Our identity is the tiger, and we all know it's one of the most feared in the animal kingdom. We need to show grit and channel the spirit of a tiger in Qatar," said Richard.
World No. 130 Malaysia could emerge as a surprise package at the Asian Cup, thanks to their demanding coach, Kim Pan Gon.
The South Korean has picked a strong 26-member squad for the Asian Cup.
Malaysia are in Group E with South Korea, Bahrain and Jordan.
Harimau Malaya's campaign begins against Jordan on Jan 15, followed by matches with Bahrain on Jan 20 and Korea on Jan 25.
With aspirations high and the spirit of the tiger as their symbol, Malaysia could just surprise the form book in Qatar.