Burinam: DPR Korea and Malaysia both need wins when they face off in a Group B match at the I-Mobile Stadium later on Friday to keep their Asian Cup 2019 hopes alive.
Malaysia head coach Nelo Vingada is confident his side will end their winless run against DPR Korea.
Malaysia currently sit at the bottom of Group B with one point from three matches. Their 2-0 loss against Hong Kong last month has put them in a difficult spot.
Vingada's men will need at least four points from their next two matches to stay in contention, but a trip to Group B leaders Lebanon in March will be a daunting task.
Malaysia will be without captain Safiq Rahim, who is suspended after picking up a red card against Hong Kong.
“I cannot reveal my new captain. I have three candidates for the responsibility,” said Vingada.
“We still have a chance to fight for the second spot behind Lebanon, who are near certain to qualify, for an automatic berth. My players are ready. I have done all I can and now it is up to them to fight hard for the three points," he added.
DPR Korea coach Jorn Andersen said: "This is the third time we are preparing for this first round match against Malaysia. We studied Malaysia comprehensively when we were getting ready for the encounters in March and later October before they were postponed.
"This will be a good time to play them since they will be without their captain (Rahim) and defender Aidil Zafuan Radzak."
DPR Korea lost their last match against Lebanon 5-0 and are third in Group B with two points.
Andersen's men have not won this year, and a win against their opponents on Friday and the return leg on Monday in the neutral venue of Burinam, will put them back on track to qualify for the Finals.
Sources: Football Association of Malaysia, AFP
http://www.the-afc.com/node/39910
Malaysia currently sit at the bottom of Group B with one point from three matches. Their 2-0 loss against Hong Kong last month has put them in a difficult spot.
Vingada's men will need at least four points from their next two matches to stay in contention, but a trip to Group B leaders Lebanon in March will be a daunting task.
Malaysia will be without captain Safiq Rahim, who is suspended after picking up a red card against Hong Kong.
“I cannot reveal my new captain. I have three candidates for the responsibility,” said Vingada.
“We still have a chance to fight for the second spot behind Lebanon, who are near certain to qualify, for an automatic berth. My players are ready. I have done all I can and now it is up to them to fight hard for the three points," he added.
DPR Korea coach Jorn Andersen said: "This is the third time we are preparing for this first round match against Malaysia. We studied Malaysia comprehensively when we were getting ready for the encounters in March and later October before they were postponed.
"This will be a good time to play them since they will be without their captain (Rahim) and defender Aidil Zafuan Radzak."
DPR Korea lost their last match against Lebanon 5-0 and are third in Group B with two points.
Andersen's men have not won this year, and a win against their opponents on Friday and the return leg on Monday in the neutral venue of Burinam, will put them back on track to qualify for the Finals.
Sources: Football Association of Malaysia, AFP
http://www.the-afc.com/node/39910
No comments:
Post a Comment