Former Malaysian star: 'The current squad faces difficulties but there is still hope'

Former player Asmawi Bakiri acknowledges that Malaysia faces many squad difficulties, but still believes the home team has the ability to surprise the Vietnam national team.

Former Malaysian player Asmawi Bakiri recently shared notable comments on Astro Arena ahead of the anticipated clash between the Vietnam national team and the Malaysia national team. While acknowledging the squad difficulties, he still believes the home team can pose a challenge if they effectively utilize their available resources.

According to Bakiri's assessment, the current Malaysian squad still possesses a commendable foundation of discipline and organization, particularly in defense. In the context of missing several key players, including naturalized players like Bergson Da Silva and Giancarlo Gallifuoco, he believes this collective still has sufficient capability to compete if managed properly.

"In my view, the role of a player in the attacking system is one who qualifies as a scorer and a support network. It is crucial to balance the pressure against Vietnam. The midfield and defense are quite strong; among the four goals in the victory over Vietnam (last June), two players were in the lineup excluding the seven absent players. Expect tactics and set situations to be applied or how to slow down Vietnam's attacks, that needs to be done."

Not stopping at tactical analysis, this former defender also emphasized the role of attacking players currently in good form like Faisal Halim, Safawi Rasid, or Luqman Hakim. He candidly acknowledged: "With current players like Faisal Halim, Ramadhan, Safawi Rasid, Paulo Josue, and Luqman Hakim, I think it will be difficult but there is still hope. The central machinery does not need much change. I don't think there is a problem of who will be revealed, just arrangement."

Bakiri also places expectations on coach Peter Cklamovski to make a tactical difference. He believes that proper adjustments in how the squad operates could help Malaysia significantly improve its performance compared to before: "I expect something from Peter (Cklamovski) this time; if previously there were quality players, but now with current players in the presence of the seven players, we have current players who can present a challenge. Whatever the way, we need to win."

Besides professional factors, this clash is also overshadowed by past tensions. Previously, Malaysia was penalized by AFC with a loss for using an ineligible naturalized player, causing them to lose their advantage and a ticket to the Asian Cup finals. This makes the rematch with Vietnam even more sensitive and competitive.

On the opposite side, Vietnam enters the match aiming to reclaim the heavy defeat from before, while Malaysia is eager to end its many-year streak of not winning away against this opponent. In that context, Asmawi Bakiri's assessment of "difficult but still hopeful" is not just a professional evaluation, but also reflects the determined mindset of Malaysian football facing a major challenge.