COACH Stephen Van Huizen wants early goals when Malaysia play China in an Asia Cup Group B match at Maulana Bashani Stadium in Dhaka tomorrow.
"We cannot afford to lose tomorrow as it will only make our mission in the tournament harder,” said Van Huizen on Wednesday.
The organisers have renovated the stadium, which hosted the World League Round Two in March, for the Asia Cup.
The scoreboard is now of international class while floodlights have also been installed.
Security in Dhaka is tight as players and officials cannot move around freely at the team hotel and venue without permission from authorities.
While being interviewed by this scribe, Van Huizen tried to walk out of the team hotel, but was stopped by security and told to head back.
"We experienced the same security measure during the World League Round Two competition. Although, it was a little irritating, it was for our own good.
"My players were bored being cooped up the last time, so this time, they came prepared with their PlayStation and other games to keep themselves busy," said Van Huizen.
The team hotel does not have a pool for training and recovery.
"We are only allowed to travel to-and-from the stadium on match days, and that's why we could not head out for training. We went to the hotel gym instead,” he said.
Malaysia will start as favourites tomorrow as they have defeated China twice this season.
"China are no pushovers and they are dangerous in counter-attacks, but we have done our homework on how to stop them.
"I am looking for a sizzling start, which means early goals. China must be beaten at all cost,” he said.
If Malaysia fail against China, they must beat South Korea and Oman in Group B to play in the round robin stage.
India, Pakistan, Japan and Bangladesh are in Group A.
The top two teams in each group will advance to the next round where they play three matches with the top two qualifying for the final.