NATIONAL coach Tan Cheng Hoe is wary of fast-improving Cambodia in their opening AFF Cup Group B match at Bishan Stadium in Singapore tomorrow.
Wins over Cambodia and Laos (Thursday) in their opening two matches will set a positive tone for Malaysia before they take on heavyweights Indonesia and Vietnam.
Under coach Ryu Hirose, Cambodia have brought a mixed squad of seniors and newcomers to Singapore.
Among the new players are Sieng Chanthea, Leng Nora and Om Chanpolin, while Chan Vathanaka, Chrerng Polroth, Keo Sokpheng, Min Rattanak, Lim Pisoth and Sin Kakada are the seasoned campaigners.
"The Angkor Warriors have a few good young players, and they play attacking football. We have to be cautious as they like to entertain the fans with their enterprising game," said Cheng Hoe in Singapore yesterday.
"I want my players to focus. The first match of a tournament is always the toughest."
During the press conference yesterday, Cheng Hoe was interviewed by the press, together with his counterparts — Hirose (Cambodia), Shin Tae Yong (Indonesia), Park Hang Seo (Vietnam) and V. Selvaraj (Laos).
Meanwhile, Japan-born Hirose aims to bring Cambodia to new heights in the competition.
"We have brought here a mix of seniors and youngsters, who have the potential to play in the Sea Games.
"I hope our youngsters can do something here. As for Malaysia, they have improved a lot since 2018.
"However, we have analysed Malaysia's game, and we are working on some new combinations to upset Malaysia," he said.