THE 1-0 loss to Thailand, said Sergio Aguero, has not demoralised Malaysia.
On the contrary, the Argentine-born midfielder claimed it has fired up his team to beat Singapore in the do-or-die Asean Cup match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow.
He believes their narrow defeat to fancied Thailand in Bangkok on Saturday will be the turning point in their campaign.
The defeat leaves Harimau Malaya, under Spanish interim coach Pau Marti Vicente, third in Group A with four points after three matches, while Singapore have six points.
Aguero, 30, said though Malaysia lost to Group A leaders Thailand, Harimau Malaya played well and were unlucky to return home empty-handed.
He admitted playing below par in Malaysia's 3-2 win over Timor Leste, but felt he performed better against Thailand.
"The loss to Thailand did not demoralise us. Instead, we are now even more hungry to win against Singapore."
Commenting on the Causeway derby, Aguero said Harimau Malaya aim to repeat their 4-1 win over the Lions in the Asean Cup at Bukit Jalil two years ago.
Aguero also scored in that match.
"It is a must-win game (for Malaysia) for sure. There's not much pressure, but I know Singapore are not an easy side to take on. If we replicate the game we played against Thailand, we have a high chance of beating Singapore and hopefully get into the semi-finals."