KUALA LUMPUR: Former national defender Datuk Dell Akbar Khan feels that Harimau Malaya have become hardier under South Korean coach Kim Pan Go.
"Before Pan Gon took over (two years ago), the team couldn't even last 60 minutes. Now under him, they have improved in terms of endurance." he said.
Dell, who helped Malaysia qualify for the 1972 Olympics, said the Malaysian team need to be disciplined, well organised and execute Pan Gon's plans efficiently if they are to survive in Doha.
"We can plan but if the execution isn't good, it could be disastrous," he said.
Dell said with Malaysia among the lowest ranked teams in the Asian Cup, the national team should be realistic of their level, but even if they lose, they should go down swinging and not look like amateurs.
"Maybe the team will stand a better chance against Jordan and Bahrain (than against South Korea) but to win will be tough. They may be able to give a good fight if they are well prepared," he said.
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.