DOHA: Former Malaysia Under-19 coach Brad Maloney, who is now with the Australia team at the Asian Cup, believes Malaysia can defy the odds to reach the quarter-finals.
Maloney, 51, worked for eight years in Malaysia, and together with Ong Kim Swee, helped develop national Under-23 players for the current Malaysian side in Doha.
Maloney, who is now Australia assistant coach, said: "Looking at the Malaysia team, I can count at least 18 players that I had worked with before.
"It makes me proud to see these players represent Malaysia at continental level, knowing that I have been part of their journey at some point.
"I feel that this is the strongest Malaysian team I have seen after some time and I definitely believe Malaysia will progress out of the group stage and at least, to the quarter-finals.
"After that, anything can happen so it will be great to see Malaysia go deep into the tournament,'' he said.
When asked about world No. 25 Australia's chances of winning their second Asian Cup, Maloney said his team had already got off to a great start by beating India 2-0.
"This group of Aussie players have proven all the doubters wrong so far, and I believe this cohort can win this tournament, particularly under the leadership of Graham Arnold (coach).
"To win the trophy, you must beat the best in Asia and although the likes of Japan and South Korea are pre-tournament favourites, these (Australian) players have shown the resilience and tenacity to go all the way."
