Football
ESPN staff 9y

Malaysia coach Dollah aims to shock Thailand in 2nd leg of Suzuki final

Malaysia coach Dollah Salleh is promising Thailand a surprise or two when the two nations meet in the deciding second leg of the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup final on Saturday night.

The Thais will take a 2-0 lead to the National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur after winning the first leg in Bangkok on Wednesday night. Malaysia will have to score a minimum of three goals to be sure of lifting their second Southeast Asian crown.

They turned the tables on Vietnam in the semifinals earlier this month after trailing from the first leg and Dollah says they can do it again.

"I have a gameplan in mind but I will not reveal it as it will jeopardise our chances," he told The Star.

"It will not be easy to play Thailand. We'll give our 200%. In football anything is possible."

Dollah added that he now has a better idea of how to play the three time AFF champions who scored two second half goals at the Rajamangala Stadium to grab the upper hand in the tie. "We have lost twice to them in the competition and we must now make full use of our home advantage. We'll be looking for an early goal, if we can score once we can score again against them.

"Thailand have the advantage, they are faster, much more skillful and their players have better stamina but if my plans go well, we can surprise them."

As they aim for their first title since 2002, Thailand have promised to continue their attacking style and not rest on their laurels.

"We are definitely going out for a win," head coach Kiatisuk Senamuang said. "We will not hold back as our style have always been an attacking game so the Thai and Malaysian fans can expect an exciting match."

Kiatisuk was a a member of Thailand sides who won the Suzuki Cup in 1996, 2000 and 2002. He is hoping to become the first person to win the biennial tournament as a player and coach.

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