KUALA LUMPUR: The national Under-19 football squad must remain focused ahead of their 2025 AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers E clash with North Korea in Dushanbe, Tajikistan tomorrow (Sept 23), says team manager Datuk Joehari Ayub.
Joehari said the match is crucial if they are to boost their chances of advancing to the tournament proper. The squad won their opening group E match against Oman 2-1 yesterday.
North Korea showed their ability after defeating Sri Lanka 4-0 in their opening game.
"The coach's (Juan Torres Garrido) tactics worked well against Oman and we plan to apply a similar approach against North Korea," said Joehari.
"We've reminded the players not to get carried away with the Oman win as there are still important matches ahead in what is a very competitive group."
Group E also features Tajikistan who have yet to begin their campaign.
Only the group winners and the five best second placed teams from the 10 groups will advance alongside China. The AFC U-20 Asian Cup competition proper will be held in China next year on Feb 6-23.