Harimau Malaya Capable of Creating Surprise in Bangkok Tomorrow
KUALA LUMPUR: National football legend Indra Putra Mahayuddin believes Harimau Malaya have the ability to create a surprise when they face Thailand in the third match of Group B of the 2026 ASEAN Cup at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok tomorrow.
The former national striker said two wins against Myanmar and Laos have proven the capability of the squad under interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe, thus showing confidence that they can put up a strong challenge against the hosts.
“In my view, they have proven their ability through the two previous wins and I do not see the meeting with Thailand as an impossible challenge to overcome.
“Although we do not have a fully complete starting eleven, the players available have carried out their responsibilities well and I believe they are capable of doing something unexpected in this tournament,” he said when met today.
In fact, he also did not rule out the possibility of Harimau Malaya returning with at least a point from Bangkok if all players show full commitment throughout the 90 minutes of the match.
“If all players give 100 per cent, I believe Malaysia can achieve a positive result.
“This is the opportunity for the players called up to prove their ability, especially when several players are unable to join the team due to FIFA calendar constraints,” he said.
Meanwhile, when asked to comment on the absence of midfielder Endrick Dos Santos, Indra Putra acknowledged that losing that key player has to some extent affected the team.
However, he remains confident that Cheng Hoe has the best options to fill the void.
“We know the quality Endrick possesses and his role is quite important in the team. Certainly his absence slightly disrupts the planning, especially in determining the starting eleven.
“However, I believe the coach has other players capable of shouldering that responsibility. This is the best opportunity for the players entrusted to prove that they deserve to represent the national squad,” he said.
BERNAMA