Head coach Dollah Salleh has given Malaysia a target of scoring at least two goals and keeping a clean sheet in the first leg of their AFF Suzuki Cup semifinal against Vietnam at the Shah Alam Stadium on Sunday.
"We need to score two or more goals if possible and keep a clean sheet in the first leg," 51-year-old Dollah told The Star. "That will be perfect for us at home. We must take full advantage at home. We must remember that the second leg in Hanoi won't be easy. We must get the job done in the first leg."
Dollah shared his wishes as he supervised his team's practice session at the Wisma FAM ground in Kelana Jaya.
Dollah -- who has silenced many of his critics by emerging from a strong Group B as runners-up at the expense of defending champions and co-hosts Singapore -- is banking on vociferous support from the stadium's seating capacity of 70,000 people as Harimau Malaya seek a comfortable cushion ahead of the challenging second leg in Hanoi on Dec. 11.
"The home fans will be an added advantage. They will provide us with vocal support. I hope to see the stadium packed to the brim. I've been told that tickets are selling out fast and that's good news for us," said Dollah.
Malaysia defeated Singapore 3-1 in their final group game on Nov. 29 at Singapore's National Stadium thanks to two dramatic injury time goals from Safiq Rahim and substitute Indra Putra Mahayuddin.
The platform for Malaysia's famous 2010 Suzuki Cup semifinal victory against Vietnam was built on a 2-0 win in the first leg at home. The second leg at Hanoi finished goalless. K. Rajagobal's Malaysia went on to win their maiden elite ASEAN title in the final, beating Indonesia.
Dollah is yet to name his captain for the semifinal first leg to replace Mohd Shukor Adan who is suspended for the game. Shukor picked up two yellow cards in the group stages.
Former national skipper, midfielder Mohd Safiq Rahim, is the frontrunner to wear the captain's armband. However, Dollah said he is keeping his options open. "I have in mind a few candidates to wear the armband. But I am yet to choose from my shortlist."