Cheng Hoe wary of revamped China as Harimau Malaya seek upset

KUALA LUMPUR: Harimau Malaya are under no illusions about the challenge awaiting them against China on Saturday, despite growing confidence among regional observers that Malaysia are no longer easy opponents.

Chinese media have warned the hosts against underestimating Malaysia, pointing to the national team's growing pool of heritage and overseas-based players ahead of the Tier 1 international friendly in Zhaoqing, Guangdong.

Meanwhile, media outlets in Vietnam and Indonesia have highlighted Malaysia's own squad problems, with interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe travelling without Johor Darul Ta'zim players and six Selangor regulars ruled out through injury.

China may also be looking to arrest a three-match losing run following defeats to New Zealand (3-0), Palestine (5-0) and Tajikistan (1-0). However, Cheng Hoe warned that the hosts remain a formidable opponent after coach Shao Jiayi overhauled his squad.

"We know before this they lost three in a row, but their coach brought an overhaul to change about 16 players," Cheng Hoe said.

"We know they brought in those who are experienced from abroad and new faces, and we know it is not easy to give them a fight to get the best result. They have their own strengths, and hopefully the players we bring can make an impact."

World No. 133 Malaysia are targeting valuable FIFA ranking points against China, who are ranked 96th, as they look to strengthen their seeding prospects for future continental qualifiers.

Malaysia's recent run of four consecutive clean sheets offers encouragement, but Cheng Hoe is keeping expectations in check while demanding a fearless performance from his players.

"We want to get a positive outcome against China. Any coach in any game wants wins and we want to create something, but we know our strengths are different and I hope the players can give something," he said.

With several senior players missing, attention has turned to new faces, including England-based utility player Richard Chin and midfielder Ahmad Haziq Kutty Abba.

Cheng Hoe said the coaching staff were using their final training sessions in Zhaoqing to help the newcomers settle into the team.

"With Richard, we are still evaluating him in training and giving him the opportunity in attacking, but we hope he can adapt to the team's situation because it is the first time he is with the squad," he said.

"We want him to adapt quickly. We know what he is capable of, and we are using these days to get him up to speed. It is the same with Haziq Kutty, and we will give opportunities to all players because we have two important games to face."

After Saturday's match against China, Harimau Malaya will face Yemen on Nov 17 to wrap up their international window.