Malaysia team determined to fight in match with Singapore for semi-final ticket

While the Malaysian team is fighting for the ASEAN Cup 2024 (AFF Cup) semi-final aspirations, the Malaysian Football Federation (FAM) announced the head coach position.

FAM confirmed that Pau Marti's interim term will end after the ASEAN Cup. From January 5, 2025, the day of the second leg of the 2024 ASEAN Cup final, Peter Cklamovski will officially take over as Malaysia's head coach.

Peter Cklamovski, a 46-year-old Australian coach, has had considerable success during his time working in the Japanese football league, from the role of assistant to head coach.

In addition, Cklamovski was a member of the Australian coaching staff that won the 2015 Asian Cup. At that time, he played the role of assistant to Ange Postecoglou, who is currently leading Tottenham in the Premier League.

FAM's announcement of a new head coach has a significant impact on the Malaysian team. However, Pau Marti said he is not concerned about it and is only focused on the match against Singapore.

“We cannot change that, so what we can control is what the team does in training, what we do on the pitch. That is the only thing Malaysia needs to focus on,” the Spanish coach said.

“Focus on getting the best out of each individual, making sure all the players can play and planning well to beat Singapore. If you think too much about other things that are happening, I think it will be difficult to play,” Pau Marti stressed.

Malaysian media called the reception of Singapore a “life and death mission”. Because, the “Yellow Tigers” must win and wait for the result of Thailand’s match against Cambodia.

Malaysia and Singapore enter the 2024 ASEAN Cup without many stars. However, Pau Marti and Tsutomu Ogura both have their own tactical imprints to look for positive results.

In the previous round, Malaysia played very well and only lost to Thailand due to bad luck. Meanwhile, Singapore led the "War Elephants" by 2 goals but lost due to a breakdown after the break.

Malaysia has home advantage, while Singapore has the advantage in points. Tsutomu Ogura's team only needs a draw at Bukit Jalil to qualify for the semi-finals of the 2024 ASEAN Cup.

In the 2024 ASEAN Cup, teams with equal points will be decided based on the first criterion of direct confrontation. If they draw with Malaysia, Singapore will take second place in the group regardless of how much Cambodia wins against Thailand.

Malaysia had to attack while Singapore played pragmatically and waited for a counter-attack opportunity. Bukit Jalil Stadium promised a fierce battle.

Expected lineup:

Malaysia: Haziq Nadzli; Lambert, Dominic Tan, Harith Haiqal, Stuart Wilkin, Endrick, Kutty Abba, Aguero, Haqimi Azim, Syafiq Ahmad, Josue.

Singapore: Izwan Mahbud; Baharudin, Shakir Hamzah, Amirul Adli, Van Huizen, Hariss Harun, Shah Shahiran, Hami Syahin, Nakamura, Faris Ramli, Shawal Anuar.

Prediction: Malaysia win 3-2.