By FRANCIS SANTIAGO - Manila Bulletin
MANILA, Philippines — Malaysia may just field in a not-so-strong second unit when it defends its men’s football crown in the Southeast Asian Games three months from now, a development that could boost the Philippines and the rest of the field’s gold medal aspirations in the biennial meet slated in Indonesia.
The Football Association of Malaysia maybe forced to use its Under-23 team ‘B’ in the regional kickfest after its ‘A’ team, known as Harimau Muda, found itself in a middle of the clash of dates for the 2012 London Olympics qualifier and the SEA Games.
The Philippines is looking to land a first ever medal since competing in the event in 1977.
The SEAG football games begin Nov. 7 and the final is on Nov. 22 while Malaysia’s campaign in the Olympic qualifiers starts with an away match against Japan on Sept. 21 followed by two home matches against Syria and Bahrain on Nov. 23 and 27 respectively, according to a report by The Star (Malaysia).
Given this tight schedule, it will be nearly impossible for Malaysia to field its best squad on both competitions.
Malaysia is the hands down favorite in the SEAG on the strength of its title conquest in 2009 at the expense of Vietnam, a win that ended a 20-year title drought.
But the same report said that “assuming they (Malaysia) qualify for the (SEAG) final (on Nov. 22) there is no way they can play the Olympic qualifying match against Syria in Kuala Lumpur the following day (on Nov 23). Under FIFA competition regulations the players must have 48 hours of rest after an international game.”
Malaysia coach Ong Kim Swee, who is presiding over a training camp in Slovakia, said he will ask the Asian Football Confederation to re-schedule the Nov. Olympic qualifying dates to resolve the dilemma.
“I hope we can get a favorable reply, if not we are in trouble,” Kim Swee told The Star.
“Fielding two teams is not the option. The SEA Games is part of the preparations for the Olympic qualifiers. So, it is not going to do any good by having two teams but again if we have no choice we will have to. Personally, I want the best team for the two competitions and if there is no choice, then, it is up to FAM to make a decision – whether to field a second team for the SEA Games,” Kim Swee continued.
Reached for comment, Philippine Football Federation chief Mariano ‘Nonong’ Araneta said if ever Malaysia opts to field a second team, it will raise the Filipinos’ chances for medals.
“Malaysia’s first team is really strong. They just lost to Chelsea 0-1 in Chelsea’s Asian Tour last month,” Araneta said.
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