KUALA LUMPUR – The last group stage match of the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Cup is set to be a spectacle as almost 60,000 fans have purchased tickets to watch Malaysia take on Singapore.
Harimau Malaya fans are cheering on their countrymen as this will be their last chance to secure a spot in the AFF Cup semi finals.
Malaysia are in the third spot with six points, while Vietnam and Singapore tie up with seven points.
Even though Malaysia had trouble keeping up with Vietnam and ended up losing 0-3 in the third Group B match, Malaysian fans still believe Harimau Malaya can get into the semi-finals by winning today’s match.
As spectators made their way into the stadium, they enjoyed Malaysian street cuisine while taking in the spirit of football.
Harimau Malaya fan Azman, 31, said he was excited to witness the match as he was also here for the previous matches.
“This will be a crucial match for Malaysia as it will decide which team will be in the semi-finals.
“Even though Malaysia lost its previous match, I am confident that this match will be a wonderful play for Malaysia, as they will provide our nation with a winning momentum,” he said.
Another fan, Mohammad Zarul, predicted that Malaysia would win today’s match 3-0.
“I predict Mohammad Faisal Abdul Halim and Lee Tuck will score goals and provide assists throughout the game.
“Today's victory is crucial for Harimau Malaya. I am confident that the boys will be prepared for the match,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Farhana, a university student, said this is her first experience attending a game in a stadium.
“Before this, I only had the opportunity to watch the game on television, but today I am able to attend the match.
“I was hoping to take a picture with Faisal and Lee Tuck. I am aware that this is impossible, but I hope that it will become a reality soon.
“As this is my first time here, all I want is for our home team to win and go to the semi-finals,” she added.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference yesterday, Harimau Malaya head coach Kim Pan-gon said he is confident the national team will beat Singapore in today’s match.
The last time both sides met was in March during the Tri-Nations Series, when Singapore edged out Harimau Malaya with a 2-1 win at Singapore National Stadium. – The Vibes January 3, 2023
