Malaysia's interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe is rallying his team as they prepare to face Myanmar in their opening match of the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026. The match is set to take place at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, where the Harimau Malaya aim for a strong start against a Myanmar team that has recently welcomed experienced Norwegian coach, Jørn Andersen.

In a press statement, Tan expressed the importance of unity within the squad, stating, "Of course, we want to reach a certain level in this tournament and we’ll focus one game at a time. Hopefully the players can gel and work together, and mostly the harmony in the team is very important for me." Malaysia previously won the tournament in 2010, when Tan served as an assistant coach, and he led the team to a runner-up finish in 2018.

The upcoming match is crucial for Malaysia, especially since they have nine uncapped players in their squad. Experienced players like Syafiq Ahmad, Paulo Josué, and Mohamadou Sumareh will be pivotal in guiding the newcomers. Tan emphasized the need for a positive result before their first home game against Laos next Tuesday, noting that the first match is always the toughest.

On the other side, coach Jørn Andersen of Myanmar is optimistic about his team's chances. He stated, "We have one objective for tomorrow’s match. We are playing at home and we want to win. We know it will be difficult because several teams in the group are ranked above us and possess greater resources and quality. However, if we can play with courage, impose our style, and attack Malaysia, we may have a chance." Andersen has been encouraged by the players' response to his training methods since his appointment.

As both teams prepare for this important encounter, the match promises to be a significant start to their campaigns in the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026.