KUALA LUMPUR: Though Malaysia will be up against stars from Europe's top leagues in the Asian Cup on Jan 12-Feb 10, former national captain Safee Sali has urged his compatriots not to feel inferior.
Safee, who had faced Chelsea legend John Terry, Brazilian great Deco and Manchester City's Yaya Toure in his playing days, told Malaysia players to play their normal game.
World No. l30 Malaysia, making a return to the Asian Cup on merit after 42 years, will play No. 87 Jordan on Jan 15, No. 86 Bahrain on Jan 20 and No. 23 South Korea on Jan 25 in Group E.
South Korea are set to parade Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung Min, Wolves' Hwang Hee Chan, Bayern Munich's Kim Min Jjae and Paris Saint-Germain's Lee Kang In.
Safee, who is now a pundit, said: "I think our players need to feel that every footballer is human and has two feet.
"They just need to believe in their own abilities and play as a team. When you're confident of your own abilities, there shouldn't be an issue. You can beat anyone, if you just believe."
Safee, 39, however, admitted that it is not easy for Malaysia to play against teams ranked in the world's top-100.
He said for Malaysia to qualify for the Asian Cup on merit after 42 years, is already an achievement and if the team reach the last 16, it will be bonus.
"I'm happy to see Malaysia qualify for the Asian Cup, and if you ask me about getting to another level, I think it's not the time yet, because our ranking is still far behind compared to the rest who are in the top-100.
"Jordan is right up there with South Korea and teams from the Middle East.
"It's difficult to predict their game because they are so skilful and physically strong.
"I think they'll be just as tough as South Korea, but we might have a chance against Bahrain," said Safee.