Nafuzi takes goal conceded in big win seriously, as Indonesia loom
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Under-23 coach Nafuzi Zain was pleased with his team's 7-1 drubbing of Brunei in the AFF U-23 Championship on Friday but he admitted the goal conceded was a blemish on their dominant performance.
'The scoreline was good, but when you concede, it doesn't leave a perfect impression. Still, we will learn from it and make sure to bounce back,' Nafuzi said after the Group A clash at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
The Harimau Muda were clinical in attack, netting seven past a hapless Brunei side and showing the kind of sharpness Nafuzi had been demanding from his forwards.
'Alhamdulillah, the players gave a good performance and showed high commitment, especially the front line, which was more clinical this time,' he said.
Despite the emphatic win, Nafuzi warned against complacency as Malaysia prepare for what he called their toughest test yet – the highly anticipated clash against tournament hosts Indonesia on Monday.
'I don't want the team to get too comfortable with this big win because a bigger challenge awaits us in the final group match against Indonesia.'
He acknowledged that the Malaysia-Indonesia fixture is always highly charged and emotionally intense, not just for players but for fans as well.
'This match against Indonesia is the one everyone is looking forward to.
'It's also the toughest because we're facing the hosts and one of the title favourites.
'Like it or not, we must find a way to win to qualify for the semi-finals.'
Nafuzi is expecting a cauldron-like atmosphere in Jakarta and has called on his players to show mental resilience and composure.
'Indonesia's supporters are extraordinary. So my players must be mentally prepared, have confidence and know how to handle the pressure during the match.'
Against Brunei, Nafuzi made six changes to the starting 11, giving valuable minutes to players who have seen limited action so far in the tournament.
The rotation also helped preserve the fitness of key players ahead of the crunch tie.
'We gave opportunities to all players to get game time. This is also important as preparation for the next match,' he added.
It is a must-win game for Malaysia against Indonesia if they want to stand a chance of getting to the semi-finals.
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