Hector Hevel keeps Harimau Malaya in the hunt
KUALA LUMPUR: A Dutch-born player has been entrusted with running the Harimau Malaya engine room. And Hector Hevel has been doing a good job of it too.
The heritage footballer played in two Asian Cup qualifiers and Malaysia scored six goals and conceded none.
The 29-year-old midfielder, who scored in Malaysia's 2-0 win over Nepal in March, was also part of the team that thrashed Vietnam 4-0 yesterday. His contribution to the match was immense, serving as the vital link between the Harimau defence and attack.
"We analysed their game and we were aware it wouldn't be easy to defeat them but we tried, and eventually, it paid off. They were indeed a good team, but we won.
"Obviously when we start the game, we don't know how many goals we will score, but we knew we had quality in front, and we utilised it to the fullest," said Hevel, who will be leaving Portuguese club Portimonense SC to join Johor Darul Ta'zim.
Though his side are perched on top of Group F and poised to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, Hevel said their quest has only just begun.
Hevel said the remaining four group matches will be challenging and they cannot afford to be complacent.
"We made a good step (beating Vietnam) but it is not over yet. We have four more games to play, they are four important matches. So we need to step up and win them as well.
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