WINGER Mohamadou Sumareh believes that Malaysia will not lose their momentum in the pre-World Cup campaign though everything has been brought to a screeching stop by the Covid-19 crisis.
Malaysia are in the race to advance to the final round of the World Cup qualifiers. The national team are currently second in Group G with nine points, behind leaders Vietnam (11 points), but are above regional giants Thailand (eight) and the United Arab Emirates (six).
Sumareh, 26, feels that Harimau Malaya's good form would not be affected much even though the players are "inactive" during the MCO.
"I would say it's more about fitness probably, not game play," he said.
"We all know what coach Tan (Cheng Hoe) wants, the style he likes to play, and everyone's strengths and weaknesses. So, nothing will change when we come back because we've known each other for a while.
"We know exactly how each player works the ball and their style.
'If there's anything lacking in our performance, if compared to last year, it could be fitness."
The Gambia-born Sumareh, who obtained his Malaysian citizenship last year, turns out for Pahang in the Super League.
On life during the MCO, Sumareh said not being on the field is like "not living."
"I miss everything about life now because it's like being in prison. I can't do anything, I miss my teammates, the jokes, laughter, bonding sessions, arguments and just about everything."