KUALA LUMPUR: Despite being left with a depleted squad, interim national head coach Tan Cheng Hoe remained optimistic ahead of Malaysia's international friendlies against China and Yemen.
Harimau Malaya will have to do without the core group from Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), who have long formed the backbone of the national team.
The national team's predicament worsened a day before their departure for China when six players from Selangor FC pulled out due to injuries sustained during the second leg of the FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday.
He described the situation as an ideal opportunity to broaden the national player pool as part of long-term planning
