Cheng Hoe channels spirit of 2014 in bid for Hanoi resurrection

KUALA LUMPUR: Interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe is urging his team to channel the spirit of Malaysia's legendary 2014 Hanoi Miracle as they attempt to overturn a 2-0 deficit against Vietnam in Wednesday's semi-final second leg. Facing a formidable Vietnam team unbeaten in 23 matches under South Korean Kim Sang Sik, Cheng Hoe maintains that his young squad possesses the belief to defy the odds on foreign soil.

He recalls the iconic 2014 AFF Championship semi-final where Malaysia bounced back from a 2-1 first-leg defeat to defeat Vietnam 4-2 at the My Dinh National Stadium. The coach believes history demonstrates that no obstacle is insurmountable in regional football. During the pre-match press conference in Hanoi, Cheng Hoe stressed that while the situation is dire, with the team trailing 2-0, they still have 90 minutes to play and the confidence to challenge the outcome.

He emphasized that while teams and generations change, that historic turnaround provides the motivation that anything is possible. Cheng Hoe cautioned his players to stay focused, insulating themselves from outside distractions such as social media and negative talk surrounding the team. Instead, he wants them to focus on gaining valuable exposure against a top-tier side like Vietnam and remain calm under pressure.

Midfielder Ahmad Aysar Hadi Shapri echoed Cheng Hoe's message, asserting that the squad would give their absolute best despite the daunting task ahead. They respect Vietnam's 2-0 lead, but they are optimistic, confident, and ready to fight as one unit to turn the tie around.