KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia are ready to battle the elements when they face Mongolia in their Group E Asian Under-19 Championship opener at the MFF Stadium, Ulaanbaatar, tomorrow.
The high altitude of the artificial pitch there and the chilly autumn weather is expected to be an eye opener for the youngsters who need to hit the ground running against the physically stronger Mongolians.
Team coach Hassan Sazali Waras said he believes the Mongolian Under-19 side will be similar to their senior team.
Last year, the national Under-23 team, under coach Brad Maloney, edged Mongolia 1-0 in an Under-23 Asian Cup qualifier.
"We are technically superior to Mongolia but they are the hosts and they are used to the weather and the high altitude here.
"They are physically better, too. It's definitely not going to be a one-sided match. Last year our senior team just got a narrow win," said Hassan.
"We need to adapt quickly to the conditions. I expect Mongolia to pressure us for goals since they are playing at home. It will be good for us as we have fast players who can exploit the open spaces to inflict damage."
The national team will take on Sri Lanka on Friday before wrapping up their campaign against heavyweights South Korea on Sunday.
Five group champions from the qualifying round will advance to the Under-19 Asian Cup in Uzbekistan next March. Six second best placed teams will advance to the finals.