Cools urges Harimau Malaya to focus on crucial Singapore clash

BANDUNG: A point against Indonesia was not enough to satisfy Harimau Malaya, with Singapore now standing as the final hurdle in their bid to reach the FIFA Asean Cup final.

Malaysia captain Dion Cools admitted the national side may need to score a certain number of goals against Singapore, depending on the final group situation, but warned against underestimating their regional rivals.

Dion said Harimau Malaya must play to their own strengths and carry the confidence gained from the draw with Indonesia into their final group match today.

"On paper, that is the idea. But we know Singapore are a very difficult opponent, so we have to respect them," he said.

"At the same time, we need to play to our own strengths, take confidence from today's game and keep moving forward.

"Hopefully, in the next match, we can score a few goals and confirm our place in the final."

Dion also urged his teammates not to dwell too long on the draw with Indonesia, with Malaysia facing a short recovery period before their next match.

He said the focus must quickly shift to Singapore, as the positive result against Indonesia would count for little if Harimau Malaya failed to perform in their final group fixture.

"There is no point getting a draw here if we play very badly in the next game," he said.

"Today was an important point. Unfortunately, we did not get all three, but we can still achieve what we came here to do."

Against Indonesia, Dion was once again a key figure at the heart of Malaysia's defence with Brad Tapp as Harimau Malaya recorded another clean sheet.

Dion said the partnership is growing stronger after helping Malaysia keep clean sheets in their first two matches, adding that he feels comfortable playing alongside Tapp.

"Two clean sheets, so I do not think I need to say much more," he said.

"We are doing a very good job and I am very impressed with him. It is really enjoyable playing alongside him and hopefully we can continue the same way in the next match."

Malaysia currently lead Group A with four points, level with second-placed Indonesia but ahead on goal difference.

Singapore are third with three points, while Bangladesh remain bottom without a point.

With only one match remaining, the race for a place in the final remains open.

The group winners will advance to the final, while the runners-up will contest the third-place playoff, with both matches scheduled to be held at the Gelora Bung Karno on Monday.