KUALA LUMPUR: It is all about pride for Japan coach Yoshiro Moriyama as he wants his side to oust Malaysia from the AFC Under-16 Championship on Wednesday and win Group A.
Moriyama rested seven regulars in Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Tajiskistan and these players are expected to be fielded against Lim Teong Kim’s side.
“We have to beat Malaysia to emerge as group champions,” he said.
Moriyama added: “The main reason I rested seven players was because I wanted others to have a chance to play in this tournament.
“Furthermore, several regulars who played in the first match (against Thailand) were tired, so I rested them.”
On the draw against Tajikistan, the Japanese coach said: “The Central Asians played very well, especially in defence.
“Their players packed their penalty area and that made it difficult for us to penetrate.
"Our players also did not create enough scoring chances,” he added.
Teong Kim have to reshuffle his attack against Japan as he will be without the suspended Luqman Hakim Shamsudin.
The striker, who scored four goals in the 6-2 thrashing of Tajikistan last week, was red carded in the 4-2 defeat to Thailand on Sunday.
The 16-year-old was given a straight red by referee Omar Mohamed Ahmed Hassan for a high boot challenge on a Thai player in the 51st minute.
“I am sad that I will not be able to play against Japan. The foul was unintentional as I was only focused on the ball and did not see the Thai player in front of me,” said Luqman.
Luqman added: “I hope my teammates will focus and give their 100 per cent against Japan.
“We have many good players in the team and I believe we can beat Japan,” he added.