Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Ahead of the crucial game Indonesian National team vs Malaysia in Group B AFF Cup 2020 (2021), Sunday (19/12), Malaysia coach Tan Cheng Hoe is worried that his players will be provoked by Indonesian media reports.
Indonesia vs Malaysia matches always bring up hot situations, not least in the AFF Cup this time. Cheng Hoe even claimed that provocations could emerge from the Indonesian media ahead of this weekend’s match.
Quoted from MessengerOne form of provocation by the Indonesian media was the news about the different treatment by the AFF Cup committee towards Elkan Baggott and Malaysian striker Safawi Rasid regarding the Covid-19 quarantine.
Cheng Hoe hopes that the Malaysian players will not read the news from the Indonesian media ahead of the match at the National Stadium, Singapore.
“Although there are still four days before the match, I am aware that the rivalry between the Malaysian national team and Indonesia is always hot with elements of provocation, especially from their media. [Indonesia], said Cheng Hoe.
“For that I want to remind the players to stay calm and not be affected by situations off the pitch which are not our territory, and focus fully on the training session,” said Cheng Hoe.
Despite having more preparation time, Malaysia is in a more difficult position against Indonesia. The Malaya Tigers must beat Indonesia to ensure that they qualify for the semifinals of the AFF Cup. Meanwhile, Indonesia only needs a draw.
Cheng Hoe admitted that the Malaysian players would be more confident against Indonesia after being defeated by Vietnam 0-3 in the AFF Cup Group B match.
“We have done an evaluation after the defeat to Vietnam, and the players already know where their mistakes are to be corrected before the match against Indonesia,” said Cheng Hoe.
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