DOHA : The improved performance of the Harimau Malaya squad under coach Kim Pan Gon has attracted the attention of many parties including coaches and presidents of football associations in the region.
This was shared by FA of Malaysia (FAM) president, Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin, who also said that Malaysia's appearance at the 2023 Asian Cup here is long awaited following the success of defeating several teams who are ranked higher in the world earlier.
"On the part of the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) or presidents (football associations) and coaches, they are excited about our achievements. They say they are excited to see how we perform after our previous performances against Kyrgyzstan and India.
"There is high expectation and this should be seen as a challenge to maintain this level of performance in the next competition. What is important is to remain consistent," he told the Malaysian media representatives here.
Malaysia are enjoying an encouraging streak under Pan Gon when they managed to record seven wins including victories against higher ranked teams as well as two draws with the world's top 100 teams and only lost 10 competitive matches throughout last year.
Drawn in Group E, Malaysia will begin their challenge against Jordan at the Al Janoub Stadium here tonight (January 16 1.30am Malaysian time) before meeting Bahrain at the Jassim Bin Hammad Stadium (January 20) and facing two-time champions South Korea at the Al Stadium Janoub on January 25.
The national team that ended the 42-year wait to qualify on merit for the Asian Cup is aiming to create history by qualifying for the round of 16 after Malaysia were eliminated at the group stage in their previous three appearances. — BERNAMA