KELANA JAYA: Malaysia do not fear two-time winners Japan as both teams face off in Wednesday’s AFC Under-16 Championship Group A match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Malaysia must win to advance to the quarter-finals while Japan need only a draw to progress.
Winger Alif Mutalib claimed that there is no difference between Malaysia and Japan in all aspects.
“Both teams have similar qualities. Based on their form in previous matches, I believe we can beat them.
“We just need to forget about our 4-2 defeat to Thailand (on Sunday) ahead of this match. The absence of suspended striker Luqman Hakim Shamsudin will slightly affect our attack, but we have able options in the team,” said Alif.
Goalkeeper Sikh Izhan Nazrel Sikh Azman is available for the match after serving suspension for a red card in the 6-2 win over Tajikistan last week and he is expected to regain his spot and start between the posts.
“We will do our best to make Malaysia proud. If I am selected, I will give my 100 per cent to deny Japan from scoring,” said Sikh.
Striker Najmudin Akmal said his side are confident of upsetting the form book on Wednesday.
“We need to be disciplined and also avoid making mistakes,” said Najmudin.