SEA Games success shows Malaysia football is on the rise again, says Baddrol

After their first Group B tie with DPR Korea was postponed, Kedah FA player Baddrol and his Harimau Malaya teammates got their third round campaign underway in June but would lose 2-1 at home to Lebanon following a late brace by Rabih Ataya.

Q: It must have been hard to take losing to a 94th minute winner against the Lebanese, what did you make of the game?

A: We were very unlucky to lose a match in this manner, it was literally the last kick of the game. Overall, I think we didn't play badly considering our new coach and his staff had only recently joined. I feel a point for each side would have been a fair result, but we lost focus, especially in the last 10 to 15 minutes of the match.

Q: Next up is Hong Kong at home, can you tell us your thoughts on the game and the side you will face on Tuesday?

A: The next match against Hong Kong is vital. It is crucial that we get the three points to get our campaign into gear and accelerate from there. Hong Kong have improved a lot over the years, especially with the addition of several naturalised players into their squad.

If I'm not mistaken, they have between eight to nine nautralised players now, so we know the quality is there. We have had good preparations for this game, though, and I believe in my teammates and our ability to get the victory on home turf.

Q: Tuesday’s match against Hong Kong comes a week after Malaysia earned the silver medal in the 2017 SEA Games, how has that success impacted on the Malaysian football?

A: It is is a good time for football in Malaysia right now. With the U-22 team doing so well in the SEA Games, people are fully behind the national team and I strongly believe football is on the rise again in Malaysia.

If we can build on this momentum in the senior side, then I am sure we can take Malaysian football to even greater heights.