Harimau Malaya on Right Track, Give Them Time - Minister Khairy

SEPANG (Selangor), June16 (Bernama) -- Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin is optimistic the national football squad or the Harimau Malaya will return to glory under head coach Nelo Vingada and the new leadership of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM). He said Vingada had just taken over the national team and it was unfair to evaluate the performance of the national squad after one defeat in a 2019 Asian Cup Qualifying match on Tuesday. “I watched the full game on television and noticed any positive changes in the first half. It was neat and smooth, the team played well and displayed a high level of discipline. “This augers well for the future of the national squad. Lebanon is actually ranked much higher than Malaysia. “It was good as we almost snatched a draw in the last minutes. So we have to be positive on the matter,” he told reporters Friday. He was met after a walkabout to look at preparations at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) entry point in conjunction of the 29th SEA Games and 9th ASEAN Para Games (KL2017) here. Therefore, Khairy urged football fans and the media in the country not to dismiss the national squad due to their initial hiccups. “Changes do not come easily. We need time. I am positive the squad and new coach will improve.” Malaysia, who is ranked 155th in the world, failed to capitalise on home turf when they lost 1-2 to Lebanon, which is ranked 135 in the world at Larkin Stadium, Johor Bahru on Tuesday. In the group B match, Mahali Jasuli put Malaysia in the lead at the 43rd minute before Lebanese reserve player Rabih Ataya blasted two goals in the 79th minute and in extra time to grab three full points. Meanwhile the Under-22 squad (U-22) had mixed fortunes in their friendly match outings in China, and the minister hope the players would maintain their momentum until the SEA Games. “We have two more months, I hope training will continue. All players should concentrate on their SEA Games mission. Hopefully the players will peak during SEA Games,” said Khairy. In the first friendly match, they lost 1-0 to China U-22 before playing to a 2-2 draw against China Super League club Guangzhou R&F FC reserve team on Tuesday. The U-22 squad beat Guangzhou Evergrande reserve team 3-0 in the last friendly match Thursday. They will see action in the AFC Under-23 Qualifying on July 15-23 before the SEA Games in August. (imagesBERNAMA) -- BERNAMA