Malaysia ready for Causeway derby as race to Asean Cup final heats up

Malaysia lead Group A with four points, level with second-placed Indonesia but ahead on goal difference, while Singapore are third on three points and Bangladesh remain bottom without a point. — Picture from Facebook/FAM

First Published: Tuesday, 29 Sep 2026 1:37 PM MYT

Last Modified: Tuesday, 29 Sep 2026 1:44 PM MYT

JAKARTA, Sept 29 — Malaysia are ready to take on Singapore in their final Fifa Asean Cup 2026 Division 1 Group A match in Bandung this Thursday despite a demanding turnaround, says interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe.

Cheng Hoe said the Harimau Malaya had gained valuable confidence and experience from their two opening matches, including last night’s goalless draw with hosts Indonesia at Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium here.

However, he expects another stern test when Malaysia face Singapore at Stadium Si Jalak Harupat, with the race for a place in the final still wide open.

“I think our players gained experience, confidence and so many moments as a team. We still have a tough game playing against Singapore, as we said, it is a Causeway derby.

“We know playing against Singapore will be another tough match, but I’m sure after getting this good result against Indonesia, we are ready,” he told a post-match press conference after Malaysia’s 0-0 draw with Indonesia.

The 58-year-old coach said recovery and preparation would be crucial for Malaysia after two physically demanding matches and a journey to Bandung.

“We have a a tough time also, we have to travel to Bandung. It’s not an excuse but sometimes in football, you need a good recovery, good preparation and we are ready to play against Singapore,” he said.

The former Kedah and Selangor FC coach said the technical staff would assess the players’ fitness before deciding on the best starting line-up and any changes for the Singapore clash.

Meanwhile, on the understanding displayed by Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) players in the national side, Cheng Hoe said their established chemistry provided an advantage but stressed that Malaysia’s success depended on a collective performance.

“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. I focus on the team performance,” he said.

Malaysia lead Group A with four points, level with second-placed Indonesia but ahead on goal difference, while Singapore are third on three points and Bangladesh remain bottom without a point.

In the inaugural tournament, 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 GBK next Monday. — Bernama