Don't Get Complacent After Myanmar Win, Urges Malaysia Coach Tan Cheng Hoe

Harimau Malaya's interim head coach, Tan Cheng Hoe, has urged his players not to rest on their laurels after securing a 2-1 victory against Myanmar in their opening match of the 2026 ASEAN Cup. The away win provided a significant confidence boost, but Cheng Hoe emphasized that numerous aspects require enhancement, particularly player fitness, team cohesion, and mutual understanding.

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The result has truly given me confidence. The players performed very well. We know we have some weaknesses because the team's character is still being formed, but little by little, we are building it.

"The result has truly given me confidence. The players performed very well," Cheng Hoe stated. "We know we have some weaknesses because the team's character is still being formed, but little by little, we are building it." He expressed concern about the players' fitness levels, as many were recently returning from pre-season training and were not yet at peak condition. The coach reiterated the team's focus on taking the competition one match at a time, hoping for improved teamwork and chemistry within the next few games.

Cheng Hoe also commended the leadership of captain Paulo Josue, who successfully guided a blend of young and veteran players, cultivating a positive atmosphere within the national squad. "I am very happy because Paulo led the team well. The combination of young and experienced players has truly helped create harmony in the team and given us confidence to see how far this team can go," he said. As a coach, Cheng Hoe expressed satisfaction but urged all players to maintain their focus on upcoming matches and strive for individual performance improvements.

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I am very happy because Paulo led the team well. The combination of young and experienced players has truly helped create harmony in the team and given us confidence to see how far this team can go.

Reflecting on the match, Cheng Hoe acknowledged that the home team, Myanmar, presented a formidable challenge, playing with high motivation on their home ground. "As we know, Myanmar was playing at home, and they are a strong team. They played with very high motivation and gave their full commitment throughout the match," he noted. Despite moments of struggle, the Malaysian players showed resilience and determination to secure the crucial three points. Harimau Malaya is set to face Laos at home next, followed by an away match against Thailand and a final group game against the Philippines.

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As we know, Myanmar was playing at home, and they are a strong team. They played with very high motivation and gave their full commitment throughout the match.