Malaysia national coach Ong Kim Swee was realistic about his team's fortunes in November's AFF Suzuki Cup in November, despite the 2014 finalists being handed a favourable Group B draw, alongside co-hosts Myanmar, Vietnam and a qualifier.
In doing so, the Harimau Malaysia avoided a tougher Group A, with the tournament's other hosts Philippines with Singapore, Indonesia and defending champions Thailand.
"On paper, we look to have a good draw. But all the countries in Southeast Asia are equally on par with each other, with the exception of Thailand. I believe Myanmar will prepare early as one of the favourites," said Kim Swee.
"Vietnam are also a consistent team in the region, and these two countries will be our toughest test."
Defending champions Thailand are in Group A and Malaysia are placed in Group B #AFFSuzukiCup pic.twitter.com/kGL47m69SZ
- AFF Suzuki Cup (@affsuzukicup) August 2, 2016
Kim Swee's assessment is vindicated, given the country's previous meetings against both teams.
In the 2014 edition, Vietnam had stunned the Malaysians 2-1 in the first-leg semifinal at the Shah Alam Stadium, in a match marred by crowd violence after some home supporters clashed with the Vietnamese. The return leg saw Malaysia only make the final after a first-half blitz of four goals in 39 minutes to edge Vietnam for a 5-4 aggregate triumph.
That victory was only Malaysia's third against Vietnam in nine meetings, with four other losses and two draws.
Assistant coach Brad Maloney added: "Vietnam are very good. I'd rate them the toughest team behind Thailand at the Suzuki Cup."
Kim Swee's 167th ranked side have beaten Myanmar only once in three meetings. Both sides drew the other two games, with the last one being a goalless friendly in Yangon in May.
Brunei, Timor-Leste, Cambodia or Laos will make up Group B after the completion of the AFF qualifiers in Phnom Penh in October.
"I hope we will be prepare better to make the tournament semifinals, with all our best players," said Kim Swee.
The 45-year-old coach will, however, have to make do without the services of 2014 top scorer Safiq Rahim, who quit the national team in July, along with his Johor Darul Ta'zim teammates Aidil Zafuan, Amirulhadi Zainal and S. Kunanlan.
Malaysia are slated for at least three friendlies before the tournament from Nov. 19 to Dec. 17. They will play Indonesia on Sep. 6, followed by Singapore on Oct. 7 and Afghanistan on Oct. 11.
Maloney added: "Avoiding Singapore and Indonesia in the draw is a blessing because of those friendlies planned against them before the Suzuki Cup."