Malaysia vs Singapore Tonight: Faisal Halim Doubtful as Harimau Malaya Eye the Final From Bandung
Faisal Halim is doubtful as Malaysia face Singapore at 8.30pm in Bandung, with a FIFA ASEAN Cup final spot against Thailand within reach.
Match day has arrived for Harimau Malaya. Tonight Malaysia face Singapore in their final FIFA ASEAN Cup Group A match at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung. A place in Monday's final against Thailand is on the line.
Kick-off is at 8.30pm Malaysian time, the same time as the other Group A match between Indonesia and Bangladesh in Jakarta.
Team news: Faisal Halim a doubt
The main worry for interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe is winger Faisal Halim, who picked up an injury in Monday's 0-0 draw with Indonesia at Gelora Bung Karno.
"We still wait for medical report from the team whether Miki plays or not, but other players are ready if Miki doesn't perform tomorrow night," Tan said on Wednesday, as reported by Makan Bola. He used Faisal's nickname, Miki.
Tan also said the squad only did recovery work after travelling from Jakarta to Bandung. Kosmo reported that Faisal's chances of playing are 50-50. Arif Aiman Hanapi, who scored twice in the 3-0 opening win over Bangladesh, is expected to lead the attack again.
Coach: "It's a Causeway derby"
Tan said the short turnaround is no excuse. "We have to travel to Bandung. It's not an excuse but sometimes in football, you need good recovery and preparation," he told Bernama.
He was positive about how his team handled the hostile atmosphere in Jakarta. "Our players have gained experience and confidence. Singapore will be another tough match, but I'm sure after this good result against Indonesia, we will be ready," he said, as quoted by The Star.
Tan also mentioned the number of Johor Darul Ta'zim players in his side. "The chemistry and understanding of the JDT players give us an advantage, but football requires us to play as a team, not only JDT players," he said.
Singapore get a key defender back
Singapore will be stronger than in their last game. AsiaOne reported that defender Safuwan Baharudin returns from suspension after missing the 1-0 win over Bangladesh, and captain Hariss Harun is available.
Coach Gavin Lee's Lions lost 2-0 to Indonesia in their opener before beating Bangladesh. They know they must win tonight to be sure of a top-two finish. "These are the kind of games that we live for, and against Malaysia no less," Lee told AsiaOne.
Striker Ilhan Fandi was just as fired up. "Whenever we play Malaysia, we always call it a derby, right? Playing them is always a big game," he told The Star.
Group A before kick-off
- Malaysia – 4 points (scored 3, conceded 0)
- Indonesia – 4 points (scored 2, conceded 0)
- Singapore – 3 points (scored 1, conceded 2)
- Bangladesh – 0 points (eliminated)
The group winner plays Thailand in the final at Gelora Bung Karno on Monday, 5 October. The runner-up goes into the third-place play-off the same day. Malaysia lead Indonesia by a single goal on goal difference, so the score in Jakarta matters too.
Key takeaways
- Malaysia vs Singapore kicks off at 8.30pm tonight (1 October) at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung.
- Faisal Halim is doubtful after an injury against Indonesia. A decision depends on the medical report.
- Safuwan Baharudin returns from suspension for Singapore.
- The Group A winner faces Thailand in Monday's final in Jakarta.
FAQ
What time is Malaysia vs Singapore? Kick-off is at 8.30pm Malaysian time on Thursday, 1 October, at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung.
What does Malaysia need to reach the final? A win is the safest route. Indonesia are level on points and play Bangladesh at the same time, so Malaysia's one-goal advantage on goal difference could decide things.
Who will Malaysia face if they top the group? Thailand, who won Group B with a game to spare. The final is on Monday, 5 October at Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta.
Sources: Bernama, The Star, Makan Bola, Kosmo, Utusan Malaysia, AsiaOne