While admitting that his team was badly affected by the 1-0 loss to Singapore on Wednesday, Tan hopes they will learn from it and use all criticisms hurled at them as motivation and challenge to do better against Afghanistan at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil (4.30pm).

“I hope they are re-energised as mental strength is vital for the game against Afghanistan. As a coach, I have faith in their ability. They must take all these negative comments as motivation,” he told at a pre-match press conference here today.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan head coach Anoush Dastgir confirmed that he would field the same squad who lost 5-0 to Oman on Wednesday when they take on Malaysia tomorrow, adding that their biggest challenge would be the hot weather.

“The match against Malaysia will be tough for us. I respect the Malaysian team a lot, but the biggest challenge for us will be the weather. We knew about the weather, but we only arrived a day before the game at midnight and after a long 25 to 30-hour flight.

“We had no rest before taking on Oman. But now, after two days’ rest, the players are fully recovered and I will start with the same team,” he said.

The final will see Singapore up against Oman at the same venue at 8.45pm tomorrow.