KUALA LUMPUR: Kyrgyzstan hitman Joel Kojo is the type that work well under pressure. And he doesn't often miss. That's bad news for Malaysia.
Ahead of tomorrow's World Cup football qualifier against Malaysia in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek, Kojo told www.the-afc.com: "I have confidence in myself, and I have confidence in the team that we can qualify for the next stage of World Cup qualifying. I believe so much in myself, and I believe so much in the team."
A win in Group D over either Malaysia or Oman on June 12 will take Kyrgyzstan into the next phase of the World Cup qualifiers.
The White Falcons are now on top of Group D with nine points from their opening four matches, and Kojo is confident they can punch their ticket to the third round with a minimum of fuss.
The Ghana-born striker, who has scored seven times in 15 games since his debut for his adopted nation last year, said: "I know in this game, the country, the coach, and some of the players can feel the pressure, but I just take it as a normal game.
"I'll do what I know to do best. We are going to win these three points, and we're going to qualify. I hope the team are all going to come together, and we can show our best."
The 25-year-old has an impressive scoring record since making his debut as a substitute against Iran in a CAFA Nations Cup match last May.
His confidence in both himself and Kyrgyzstan's qualification prospects seems well-placed.
Kojo scored Kyrgyzstan's equalizer in the 1-1 draw against Oman in the Asian Cup in Qatar earlier this year. He also netted his first international hat-trick in March against Taiwan.
"I'm always ready to give my best in every game, any time, anywhere. Being part of the national team is great for me to be able to show myself to the world," he said.