Tan Cheng Hoe "All 23 players are ready for tomorrow"
Malaysia head coach Tan Cheng Hoe confirmed all 23 squad members are fit and available for tomorrow's FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 opener against Bangladesh, addressing media at the official pre-match press conference held in Jakarta today ahead of the tournament's opening fixture.
Speaking alongside team captain Dion Cools, the interim tactician struck a note of cautious respect for their Group A opponents despite entering the encounter as favourites, emphasizing that tournament openers historically present unique challenges regardless of perceived quality gaps between competing nations.
Cheng Hoe revealed that while the full 23-player squad announced earlier remains available for selection, the technical staff were forced to make late adjustments to the roster in the final days before departure. "All 23 players are available for tomorrow's match. We are very happy that we are all together," Cheng Hoe stated, before acknowledging the challenges of squad management. "Unlucky in the final days, we have to change the three players. Of course, we have these 23 players available for tomorrow's match."
Despite Malaysia's status as clear favourites heading into the encounter, Cheng Hoe refused to underestimate Bangladesh's threat, citing their opponents' evident preparation. "We have to respect Bangladesh. Although they are well prepared, we want to get a good result against Bangladesh for tomorrow's match. We know it's a very tough first match, always in any competition, but we are ready."
Addressing recently appointed FAM President Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan's bold declaration that Harimau Malaya possess the quality to reach the tournament final, Cheng Hoe welcomed the elevated expectations while maintaining a measured, match-by-match approach. "We think it's a challenge. At the same time, we really focus on this first game. We take it as a challenge with the new president," he explained, adding that his players carry genuine enthusiasm heading into Malaysia's first-ever appearance at this newly established FIFA championship.
Questioned about the highly anticipated second group fixture against tournament hosts Indonesia—a contest steeped in decades of regional football history—Cheng Hoe deliberately steered attention back toward the immediate task at hand. "My focus is for tomorrow's match. Then we'll see how our progression, the result," he said, though he acknowledged the magnitude of facing their fierce neighbours. "Playing against Indonesia, always an exciting game. I'm sure in this group, Indonesia will be a favourite because they have all the best players coming from Europe, abroad. We're also ready for this game against Indonesia, but definitely, we'll focus on the games tomorrow."
Credit Photo : FAM
