Cheng Hoe proud of Harimau Malaya players despite heartbreak

KUALA LUMPUR: It was a night of pride and disappointment for Harimau Malaya as their biggest victory over Singapore since 1978 was not enough to secure a place in the FIFA Asean Cup final.

Interim national head coach Tan Cheng Hoe admitted he was proud of his players' performance in the 6-0 thrashing of Singapore in their final Division 1 Group A match at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium on Thursday, but conceded that the result still left a feeling of regret as Malaysia failed to qualify for the final.

Cheng Hoe said his players showed great commitment throughout the match, with good ball control and finishing, but acknowledged that anything can happen in football.

"If we look at our players, they showed a very good game and were so committed in every movement. Very good in terms of ball control and finishing.

"But in football, these things happen. So that is like sadness amidst joy," he said.

The 6-0 victory was Malaysia's biggest win over Singapore since the 1978 Merdeka Tournament, providing an impressive end to their group campaign.

However, as the Malaysian players celebrated their victory in Bandung, Indonesia's 9-2 win over Bangladesh in Jakarta ensured their efforts were still not enough to take Harimau Malaya to the final.

The result left Cheng Hoe caught between pride in his players' achievement and disappointment at failing to advance further.

"As a coach, I feel proud of the score we recorded. I feel we made history when we beat Singapore with a large number of goals.

"Of course, at the same time, a bit disappointed because we did not qualify for the final round, the final match," he said.

Cheng Hoe, however, views the win as proof of the team's development and something that can serve as a foundation for the Harimau Malaya's future, especially if the players continue to believe in the style of play implemented.

"I believe if my players continue to improve themselves, maintain our way of playing, believe in our way of playing, I am confident we have a better future, better prospects in our way of playing," he said.

Although Malaysia's title hopes have ended, Cheng Hoe wants the players not to dwell on the disappointment for too long and instead continue moving forward with a positive mindset.

Malaysia and Indonesia finished the group stage with seven points and the same goal difference, but Indonesia emerged as Group A winners after scoring more goals following their 9-2 victory over Bangladesh.

Malaysia will face Vietnam in the third and fourth place playoff on Oct 5, while Group A winners Indonesia will meet Thailand in the final on the same day.