KUALA LUMPUR: Coach Kim Pan Gon declared that Harimau Malaya are well-oiled for the Asian Cup after Monday's 2-2 draw with Syria in a closed-door friendly in Doha.
World No. 130 Malaysia scored through Arif Aiman Hanapi (39th minute) and Brazilian-born Paulo Josue (78th)
Pablo Sabbag (70th) and Ibrahim Hesar (74th) replied for world No. 91 Syria.
"I am pleased with result, and it will definitely boost my players' confidence for the Asian Cup.
"The draw shows were can compete against some of the top teams in Asia."
Pan Gon rotated his players during the match to test options for the Asian Cup.
"I gave all my players minutes in this match.
"We made a lot of substitutions, especially after 65 minutes. We were 2-1 down but managed to equalise and dominate the final minutes of the game."
The South Korean believes his players will be pumped up when they open their Group E campaign of the Asian Cup against world No. 87 Jordan at Al Janoub Stadium, Doha.
Malaysia will then take on No. 86 Bahrain at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Jan 20, followed by No. 23 South Korea at the Al Janoub Stadium five days later.
Harimau Malaysia are featuring in their fourth Asian Cup.