Cheng Hoe banks on young players for Vietnam clash

Malaysia's interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe is prepared to rely on emerging young talent for the crucial ASEAN Cup 2026 semi-final first leg against Vietnam. The Harimau Malaya squad faces significant challenges with several key players unavailable due to injuries and prior club commitments.

The absence of established players like Endrick dos Santos, Jimmy Raymond, Engku Nur Shakir Engku Yacob, Aliff Haiqal Lau, and Fazrul Amir Md Zaman due to injuries, along with Wan Kuzain Wan Ahmad Kamal's departure for club duties, has forced Cheng Hoe to look to new faces. This situation opens the door for players such as Daryl Sham, Ibrahim Manusi, and Ziad El Basheer to potentially feature in this high-stakes international match.

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This is the best opportunity for young players like Daryl Sham and Ibrahim Manusi. Most of them will fill these gaps. I am sure if these players are given a chance, they will give their best. We need to support and encourage them.

"This is the best opportunity for young players like Daryl Sham and Ibrahim Manusi," Cheng Hoe stated at a pre-match press conference. "Most of them will fill these gaps. I am sure if these players are given a chance, they will give their best. We need to support and encourage them."

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We need to go onto the field with full confidence. Our focus is on our own team, not too much on Vietnam, even though we know they are very strong, especially in attack.

Cheng Hoe views the current injury crisis as a significant motivation, expressing full trust in the remaining players to perform in this important fixture. He believes a blend of experienced and new players can achieve a positive result to carry into the second leg away from home. "We need to go onto the field with full confidence. Our focus is on our own team, not too much on Vietnam, even though we know they are very strong, especially in attack," he added.

Despite the limited preparation time due to player issues, Cheng Hoe stressed that it would not be an excuse. He highlighted the importance of utilizing the home advantage and the support of the fans. "It is not easy for a coach to face an injury crisis. Squad depth worries me, but as a coach, I remain positive. I need to find the best options and solutions for the starting lineup," he concluded.

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It is not easy for a coach to face an injury crisis. Squad depth worries me, but as a coach, I remain positive. I need to find the best options and solutions for the starting lineup.