Malaysia and Indonesia clash in a decisive Group B encounter on Sunday where only a win will be enough for Harimau Malaya to progress to the semifinals although a draw will see the Garuda qualify.

Even though that point would secure Indonesia’s progression to the last four for the first time since 2016, playing for the draw is not the way that their coach Shin Tae-yong intends to approach things.

“Some might say that we have the advantage but then the result of the match can change at any time so we must focus and approach the match with a strong mentality.

“You saw in the match against Vietnam that we played against the best team in the tournament so we had to play in a certain way but against Malaysia they have different strengths and weaknesses and we will play in the best way to exploit those weaknesses.”

In a boost the coach confirmed that there will be one key addition to the team.

“We will have Elkan Baggott available and there are also no injury issues with Evan Dimas although Egy Maulana still won’t be available.”

In terms of progression, the equation is far more straightforward for Malaysia where only a win will do.

Anything less and the runners-up from the previous edition would be dumped out in the group stage but coach Tan Cheng Hoe is maintaining a positive mindset ahead of the decisive showdown with their fierce rivals.

“We always try to play attacking football and this is a challenge that we have to rise to.

“There’s no point in thinking too much or worrying about the pressure because we know that it is there.

“This is a very important match for us so we simply have to focus, stay flexible and I’m confident we can get a positive result.”

In terms of team news it’s also been mixed fortunes, according to the coach.

“Dion Cools arrived two days ago and he had a full day training yesterday so he is right to go although it seems that both Aidil Zafuan and Shahrul Saad both might not be able to play with injury.”