KUNSHAN: National youth coach Ong Kim Swee says his players are motivated for Saturday’s AFC Under-23 Championship quarter-final match against South Korea.
The team made the quarter-finals by finishing second in Group C behind Iraq.
"We may have exceeded expectations but the players are still hungry for more,” said Kim Swee.
"Korea are strong in all departments and are technically and tactically very good. The Korean players have been playing together in the Under-16 and Under-19 levels.
"They have quality players and I do not see many weaknesses."
Kim Swee downplayed Malaysia's one-day rest advantage over South Korea, who were forced to work hard in the 3-2 win over Australia 3-2 in their final Group D game on Wednesday.
"Irfan Zakaria, Syazwan Andik and Matthew Davies are injured and they were not able to train today (Thursday).
"We still have two days until the game against Korea and we will reassess their condition tomorrow.
"Yes, we may have an extra day to prepare, but it does not really offer us an advantage.
"We have to remain focused as Korea are a formidable team,” Kim Swee added.
Translated from Harian Metro