KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia hope to beat Thailand in the Under-19 Asean Championship semi-finals on Saturday to have a shot at retaining their title in Surabaya, Indonesia.
Juan Torres Garrido's side, who topped Group C, believe they have the pedigree to make an impression again.
FA of Malaysia (FAM) is relieved that the Young Tigers have avoided Australia in the semi-finals.
Group C runners-up Thailand will face the Australians in the other semi-final.
"Everything is on track, and we are optimistic about our chances against Indonesia.
"Our goal is to defend our title and continue our success," said FAM secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman.
In the group stage, Malaysia thrashed Brunei (11-0) and Singapore (5-0) before securing a 1-1 draw against Thailand on Thursday.
Indonesia, meanwhile, topped Group A, winning all three matches, scoring 14 goals and conceding just two.
Malaysia's previous titles came in 2018 and 2022.