KUALA LUMPUR: National coach Nelo Vingada is now feeling optimistic following the decision by Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to hold both Asian Cup qualifying matches against North Korea in Thailand on Nov 10 and 13.
Malaysia sit bottom of Group B on one point from three matches, but positive results against North Korea will put them back into contention for a spot in the 2019 Asian Cup Finals in the United Arab Emirates.
Lebanon lead the group with 10 points, five more than second-place Hong Kong while North Korea are third on two points.
In a statement on Tuesday, AFC announced that the postponed first round Group B between North Korea and Malaysia will be played in Thailand on Nov 10.
The second round match, where Malaysia will be the home team, will also take place in Thailand three days later.
The venue and kick-off times will be decided soon.
The first round group match between North Korea and Malaysia was originally scheduled in Pyongyang in March before it was moved to Oct 5, but both were postponed due to security reasons.
“I do not want to say whether playing in Thailand will be an advantage to Malaysia but it certainly cuts travel time (for the first round match). The weather in Thailand is similar to ours compared to Pyongyang, which is now cold,” said Vingada on Tuesday.
The Portuguese said the FA of Malaysia (FAM) have requested that both matches be played in Bangkok, but the final decision will be made by AFC.
Vingada said he currently has a list of 30 players but will trim it to 24 after the final round of Super League matches on Saturday.
“What I can say is that most players on my list are from Kedah and Darul Ta’zim, who both will play each other in the Malaysia Cup final on Nov 4.
“Those not involved in the Malaysia Cup final will report on Nov 4 while players from Kedah and Darul Ta’zim will do so two days later," Vingada added.