LAHORE – A hamstring injury during training has ruled out lanky striker Izzaq Faris Ramlan from the Pakistan-Malaysia Olympic qualifier. Shah Alam Stadium will host the first leg on February 23. Thamil Arasu and Syahrul Azwai Ibrahim have been called up after Izzaq’s injury.
Malaysia U21 coach coach Ong Kim Swee has warned his team against taking their places in the Olympic squad for granted after defensive lapses led to the team’s downfall in recent matches. Kim Swee said he was impressed by Pakistan’s gutsy performance against Thailand U21 last week.
“Their preparations under coach Tariq Lutfi show that every team is serious about qualifying for the London Olympics. We have to fully use the home advantage because it can be difficult to win in Lahore. There are not a bad side and they look well-organised and are serious about their campaign,” he said.
