Turn Gelora Bung Karno pressure into motivation, Faisal tells Harimau Malaya

JAKARTA: National winger Mohamad Faisal Abdul Halim wants Malaysia to turn the pressure from Indonesia’s passionate supporters into motivation when they face the Garuda squad in their second Group A Division 1 match of the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium tomorrow (Sept 28).

Faisal said the players should not be overly concerned about provocations or pressure from the home supporters, but instead focus on what happens on the pitch.

“We do not need to worry or be concerned about provocation from Indonesian supporters. What I hope is that all my teammates are prepared physically and mentally.

“On the pitch, we are only playing 11 against 11. The supporters can only provide encouragement and cheers. We should regard the Indonesian supporters as our own supporters too, to motivate the team,” he told reporters at the team’s training session here today.

The Selangor FC player said Malaysia knew facing Indonesia would not be easy, but believed thorough preparation and hard work could help the team secure a positive result.

Faisal also acknowledged that Indonesia had displayed an organised game in their 2-0 win over Singapore but stressed that Malaysia had its own strengths and quality to put up a strong challenge.

Interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe also wants the players to use the vibrant atmosphere at Gelora Bung Karno as a source of motivation rather than allow the supporters’ pressure to affect their focus.

He said any provocation could cause players to lose concentration if not handled properly, making mental strength one of the key factors in the match.

“I think the atmosphere will give us more spirit and motivation because it is better to play in front of 100,000 supporters than 1,000,” he said.

Malaysia have three points after beating Bangladesh 3-0 in their opening match last Friday, while Indonesia also have three points after defeating Singapore 2-0.

Malaysia will face Singapore at Stadium Si Jalak Harupat next Thursday (Oct 1) in their final group match. — BERNAMA