"Malaysian coach" reveals two key factors to challenge Thailand and decide the ASEAN Cup 2026 Group B champion.
On 29 July 2026, Tan Cheng Hoe, head coach of the Malaysian national team, gave an interview ahead of their visit to Thailand for the 2026 ASEAN Football Championship (ASEAN Cup 2026) Group B stage, scheduled for Saturday, 1 August.
Malaysia recently beat Laos 4-0 last night, marking their second consecutive win and putting them at the top of Group B with 6 points, ahead of Thailand who have played only one match, winning 5-0 against Laos.
1. Malaysia 6 points (6 goals scored, 1 conceded)
2. Thailand 3 points (5 goals scored, 0 conceded)
3. Myanmar 3 points (5 goals scored, 3 conceded)
4. Philippines 0 points (1 goal scored, 4 conceded)
5. Laos 0 points (0 goals scored, 11 conceded)
This makes the match between Thailand and Malaysia a decider for the Group B champion, a crucial factor in the ASEAN Cup 2026 title race. The group winner will face the runner-up of Group A in the semifinals.
Tan Cheng Hoe revealed two factors he observed after the win over Laos that will give Malaysia a chance to beat Thailand away: confidence and teamwork.
"We continue to build good momentum and improve mutual understanding within the team."
"Securing another 3 points boosts our motivation ahead of the next match against Thailand. However, we still have much work to do to elevate the team's level. We now have two days to prepare for the game against Thailand."
"We know Thailand has a strong squad and will play at home in Rajamangala Stadium, so we must prepare to face a much tougher opponent."
"I am confident the players have learned about playing and working together as a team, and teamwork will be crucial in our upcoming match against Thailand."
ASEAN Cup 2026 Group B second match: Thailand vs. Malaysia on Saturday, 1 August at 8:00 PM at Rajamangala Stadium, live broadcast via TrueVisions Now app.