Football
ESPN staff 9y

Malaysia in for a surprise in SEA games opener against Timor-Leste

Two time former champions Malaysia may be in for a surprise when they kick off their SEA Games football campaign on Saturday against minnows Timor-Leste at the Bishan Stadium in a Group B game.

Timor-Leste coach Fabio da Silva has vowed to make life difficult for Datuk Ong Kim Swee's side in their opener. "We know our position in this region," De Silva told The Star. "But we will try to give all the other teams in the group, including Malaysia, a run for their money.

Tournament favourites Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Brunei are the other teams in Group B.

"Malaysia undoubtedly have experience on their side. But we are not under any pressure. We will go out and enjoy ourselves. The opening three points are important. If we don't get the desired result, it's not the end of the world."

Talented Selangor FA playmaker Nazmi Faiz Mansor will team up with Johor Darul Ta'zim midfielder Gary Steven Robbat in Ong Kim Swee's side. Pahang's Matthew Davies and Kedah's explosive forward Syafiq Ahmad are also in the Harimau Muda squad.

37-year-old Da Silva will also have to content with his players' lack of competitive match practice. "There is no domestic league in Timor-Leste, but we have played in a few friendlies to keep the players in competition mode," said the man who handles Timor-Leste's senior as well as U23 sides.

"Our football is getting better. The players are developing good technique. I foresee a good future for Timor-Leste football," said Da Silva.

Hosts Singapore, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia and the Philippines are in Group A.

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