The Malaysia - Cambodia match takes place at 4:30 p.m. on December 6. The result of this opening match will greatly affect the chances of the two teams advancing in Group B. As the runner-up of the AFF Cup 2018, Malaysia is rated higher than Cambodia - a team that has never entered the knockout round of the regional digital tournament.
However, many difficulties are waiting for coach Tan Cheng Hoe. Harimau Malaya (M Malaysia's nickname) has had a not-so-smooth preparation process. The two latest cases of COVID-19 have caused Malaysia's personnel selection to be further limited, with only 24 players registered for the AFF Cup (maximum 30 players). In addition, defender Dion Cools will gather late.
Previously, the Malaysian team lost a series of key players due to injuries and personal reasons. The team has only 8 players who participated in the 2018 AFF Cup, but not everyone is still in good form as before. Tan Cheng Hoe and his team only had a few days of training before the opening match.
The history of the AFF Cup confrontation also shows that the Malaysian team will have a difficult match with Cambodia. In the 2016 and 2018 AFF Cups, both teams met in the opening match. Harimau Malaysia won all matches but with a minimum difference of 3-2 and 1-0 respectively.
While the Malaysian team is facing many problems, the Cambodian team is considered an opponent that can create a surprise in Group B. They were inspired by the U22 players, who have qualified for the semi-finals of the 2019 SEA Games. In addition, at this year's AFF Cup, General Director of the Cambodian team - Keisuke Honda will directly join the players. He will work closely with coach Ryu Hirose, aiming to make positive changes for the home team.
"The Cambodian team has some good players, such as Chan Vathanaka. However, we are not focusing on a few individuals. The Cambodian team plays football very quickly and persistently and we have to be wary of their counter-attacks. I believe this will be a strong point for the Cambodian team because I have studied their recent match against Guam," said coach Tan Cheng Hoe.
The 68-born strategist said the secret of the Malaysian team was "not being too confident" against the Cambodian team. The players will be asked to play with concentration, determination and wait for opportunities to punish their opponents. With players who are highly rated in attack, especially the two young stars Safawi Rasid and Luqman Hakim, the Malaysian team is likely to achieve the set goal.
Prediction: Malaysia 1-0 Cambodia
