SEPANG: The intensity of training of Harimau Malaya squad coached by Kim Pan Gon has been stepped up in preparation for the tough challenges at the Asian Cup 2023 in Doha, Qatar from Jan 12 to Feb 10.
National right winger Mohamad Faisal Abdul Halim said the more vigorous training was implemented by Pan Gon during the week-long national squad centralised training camp which began on Dec 26 at Wisma FAM, Kelana Jaya.
“The higher pace can really be felt in a week of training as coach Kim made some changes in terms of intensity… from the first day of training until Saturday we were strenuously tested.
“For me, we have another two weeks to adjust with faster training and the game will become more enjoyable,“ he said.
Mohamad Faisal who better known as Mickey, said this when met before the national team left for Doha at the Kuala Lumpu International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 here, at midnight last night.
The Selangor FC star player said all his teammates were also eager to make an appearance in the Asian Cup which was described as the biggest opportunity for the team to raise the name of Malaysia again.
“We went there not just to complete the quota but to give competition to other teams,“ said the 25-year-old player.
Commenting further, Mohamad Faisal said the team’s focus at the moment is the opening match of the Group E competition against Jordan on January 15.
“The match (against Jordan) is our turning point, if we manage to get a positive result in the first match, three points or even a draw, it will give the team motivation to face Bahrain,“ he said.
After meeting Jordan, Pan Gon’s men, who are aiming to qualify for the last 16, will face Bahrain on Jan 20 and close the group stage against two-time champions South Korea on Jan 25.
Only the champions and runners-up of each group along with the four best third teams will qualify for the round of 16 in Doha.
Malaysia have never progressed to the last 16 of the Asian Cup after being eliminated in the group stage in the previous three editions.–Bernama
