Malaysian media is pessimistic when in the same table as Vietnam and Thailand

The draw results on the afternoon of April 5 put Malaysia U22 in the same group with Vietnam and Thailand - the two teams that finished first and second at the 31st SEA Games, Singapore and Laos. Harian Metro newspaper called this a "table of death", and forecast that even competing for tickets to the semi-finals would be a challenging task for the home team.

"Hope to end the thirst for SEA Games gold medals is gradually fading with U22 Malaysia," commented Harian Metro. "The presence of Vietnam and Thailand causes many difficulties".

Malaysian national news agency Bernama also uses the word "death table" when referring to the home team's group. "Malaysian U22's goal of reaching the final is extremely challenged when the team falls into this group," commented Barnama.

Sinar Harian newspaper commented: "With this group, our U22 team will have to make the most of the remaining time to thoroughly prepare for the competition in Cambodia."

Contrary to the media, the head coach of Malaysia U22, Mr. Elavarasan, was optimistic and excited about the challenges. The 61-year-old leader also thinks that Malaysia has the same chance of reaching the semi-finals as all opponents.

"Our goals and vision have not changed," coach Elavarasan said after the draw. "My job now is to make sure the team is ready for a tough group."

Malaysia won six SEA Games men's football gold medals, second only to Thailand with 16 crowns. The last time Malaysia won the championship was in 2011 after defeating the home team Indonesia 4-3 by penalty shootout.

At the 31st SEA Games, Malaysia surprised by defeating Thailand 2-1 in the opening match, then in turn beat Laos 3-1, drew Singapore and Cambodia with a score of 2-2, thereby ranking second in Group B. In the semi-finals, Malaysia played resiliently against the host Vietnam, only to lose after the header scored the only goal in the 111th minute of Tien Linh.

Malaysia U22 prepares for the 32nd SEA Games by winning the 2023 Merlion Cup friendly tournament in Singapore. They in turn won Cambodia 4-1 in the qualifying round, and then defeated Hong Kong 2-1 in the final. The team from the same group Singapore also participated but lost both matches. Meanwhile, Vietnam and Thailand attended the 2023 Doha Cup with better quality teams.

Malaysia respectively faced Laos, Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore on May 3, May 6, May 8 and May 11 at the Prince Stadium.