The thirst for the prized football gold in the SEA Games is keeping the top contenders on the edge.
Malaysia's head coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee wants full points from his boys in their opening salvo against Brunei in their Group A match when the hotly-contest football battle starts tomorrow in the SEA Games.
A win in the first match is always important, he said as his rivals continue to rachet up their claims on the prized gold medal.
"My players are ready, I am ready and preparations have run smoothly so far. The SEA Games has always been a unique tournament and we are looking forward to the first match against Brunei," he said at the pre-match press conference here today.
The Malaysia-Brunei match will kick off at 8.45pm at the Shah Alam Stadium. Laos, Myanmar and Singapore complete Group A.
Defending champions Thailand drawn in Group B, dubbed the group of death, has just one mission to wrest the gold to complete a hattrick of wins. Other countries in Group B are Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Timor Leste and the Philippines.
"Our players are ready to retain the gold medal. The team have been preparing well since the beginning of the year and achieved positive results in several recent international tournaments," said team manager Watanya Wongopasi.
Meanwhile Indonesia are going all out to end their 25-year drought for the gold. They came close in 2013 but lost 0-1 to Thailand in the final.
"We came down here with one dream, to win the gold but we know it's not an easy task. We will take every game seriously and try our best to make the country proud," said its Spanish chief coach Luis Milla.
Richard Tardy, the chief coach for Singapore, said the performance of his team in their first two matches, against Myanmar tomorrow and Malaysia on Wednesday, will determine their fate .
"The first two matches are against big teams and it surely will be a difficult task for the boys but I bet they will give their best to get a positive result. We have prepared very well and are definitely ready for the game tomorrow," said the 67-year-old Frenchman.
The football competition begins ahead the Aug 19 official opening of the Games. The showdown for the gold is scheduled for Aug 29. - BERNAMA
Bernama
Sun Aug 13 2017
The thirst for the prized football gold in the SEA Games is keeping the top contenders on the edge.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.