Yemen target Malaysia match to end 12-year winless run
Malaysia will be without several established JDT players for the Nov 17 encounter in Guangdong, according to regional media reports.
Yemen see an opportunity to secure their first victory over Malaysia in 12 years when the teams meet in China on Nov 17, with several established Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) players absent from Malaysia's squad, regional media reported.
The four-nation tournament fixture will take place at Zhaoqing New District Sports Centre Stadium in Guangdong. Their last encounter was an Asian Cup qualifier in March 2014, which Malaysia won 2-1. Across five meetings, Malaysia have recorded three wins, one draw and one defeat.
Sports portal Kooora reported that Yemen's coaches intend to try different tactical systems and combinations, bringing together domestic and overseas-based players before competitive fixtures. Algerian coach Noureddine Ould Ali has started a preparation camp in Cairo before the team's journey to Guangdong.
Reports from Yemeni outlets and Qatari broadcaster Al Kass noted that Matthew Davies, La'Vere Corbin-Ong and goalkeeper Syihan Hazmi were missing from interim Malaysia coach Tan Cheng Hoe's selection. Overseas-based Dion Cools is expected to play.
Malaysia enter the tournament ranked No. 133, while Yemen are 144th. Yemen recently finished top of their Asian Cup qualifying group after beating Lebanon 2-0 and Bahrain 5-2. Yemeni commentators expect captain and veteran forward Abdulwasea Al-Matari to lead a high-pressing attack.
