Cheng Hoe targets end to Malaysia's Vietnam drought

JAKARTA: Interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe hopes to end Malaysia's wait of more than 11 years for a win over Vietnam in Monday's FIFA Asean Cup third-place playoff at the Gelora Bung Karno.

Harimau Malaya last beat Vietnam in 2014, when Dollah Salleh's side stunned the hosts 4-2 at the My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi in the second leg of the Asean Championship semi-finals.

That victory sent Malaysia into the final with a 5-4 aggregate win.

Since then, Harimau Malaya have failed to repeat the feat, losing their last nine meetings with Vietnam following a 2-2 draw in 2018.

Cheng Hoe said beating Vietnam had long been an ambition, but acknowledged the challenge awaiting his players.

"I have long wanted to beat Vietnam and get a positive result because we have not beaten them for more than 10 years.

"We know their strength is not limited to attack. They have also added naturalised players in defence," he said.

Cheng Hoe's immediate priority is to ensure his players recover physically and mentally after a demanding run of matches.

"We need the best possible preparation. The players need to recover mentally and physically because Vietnam will also come into the match well prepared," he said.

The third-place playoff kicks off at 5pm Malaysian time while Indonesia and Thailand will contest the final at the same venue at 9pm.