TAIPEI: It couldn't get any better for Kim Pan Gon and his men. Harimau Malaya unexpectedly found themselves perched on top of their World Cup qualifying group with a 100 per cent winning record.
Malaysia overcame a gritty Taiwan 1-0 at the Taipei Municipal Stadium on Tuesday to add to their sensational 4-3 win over Kyrgyzstan five days ago.
Rousingly, Malaysia ousted world No. 73 Oman, supposedly the strongest team in the group, from the top of Group D. Following Oman's 1-0 loss to Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday, Malaysia now have every chance of winning Group D outright.
For Harimau Malaya, they are well on course to meeting coach Pan Gon's target. In fact, they are half-way there, having earned six points from two matches.
Earlier, the South Korean boffin said his target is at least 12 points from the six matches (home and away) in Group D.
Malaysia will meet Oman away on March 21, next year, and home on March 26. The team's other matches are against Kyrgyzstan away (June 6) and Taiwan home (June 11).
"It's not guaranteed we can get the full points...we must be well prepared," said Pan Gon.
"Congratulations to Malaysia. We won for the first time here in Taiwan," added Pan Gon in reference to Malaysia's three earlier losses to Taiwan in Taipei in their last five meetings.
The match saw Darren Lok clinching the winner for Malaysia 10 minutes after replacing Paulo Josue in the 62nd minute.
Though Pan Gon prevailed with his clever deployment of substitutes, he stressed that Malaysia's win was a team effort.
He said Malaysia faced a dogged Taiwan and it was his men's determination that made the difference.
"This win came from all players, not individuals. I think our team have passion and the desire to go to the next round.
"We knew how solid, disciplined, physical, and the fighting spirit of Taiwan's players. But I think our passion was a little bit more than them.
"We are now one step closer to the third round of World Cup qualifying, I'm very proud and appreciative of all our players."
