Afghanistan Expects Harimau Malaysia To Roar At Own Backyard

PETALING JAYA (Selangor, Malaysia), Oct 10 (Bernama) -- Afghanistan head coach Peter Segrt expects the Harimau Malaysia squad to put up a sizzling performance against his side when both teams meet in an international friendly at the Shah Alam Stadium, on Tuesday. Aware of the turbulence in the country's football circle, Segrt believes the national side under Ong Kim Swee would be a strong side for the war-torn country. "After seeing the organising of the match from Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), strong local leagues and vast opportunities in this country, I respect the country. I cannot understand if you (players) play bad tomorrow (Tuesday). "I watched the game against Singapore last week and the outcome from previous games and know that we will be facing a strong team," he said in a press conference here, Monday. However, the Croatia born warned that his side would fight hard to win the match despite not being able to field about nine of his key players due to injuries. Afghanistan skipper Faysal Shayesteh who played for Pahang in the Super League is expected to face his fellow team member Matthew Davies as an opponent for the first time ever. "Matthew is not only my team mate but a good friend and neighbour for me. We used to hang out a lot and I am really excited about the match," the midfielder said. Ranked world number 149 in the FIFA list, Afghanistan defeated Singapore 2-1 in the 2018 World Cup/2019 Asia Cup qualifiers in Tehran, Iran on March before losing 0-2 to Lebanon last week. --BERNAMA