Malaysia have been drawn to face Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Jordan in Group C of next year's AFC U-23 Championship.
Coincidentally, their three opponents finished champions, runners-up and third place respectively in the inaugural edition in 2013.
Following the draw that took place in Changzhou, China on Tuesday, national head coach Ong Kim Swee commented on the task at hand.
"Even before the draw, we were aware that regardless of which group we would be in, it would be a tough challenge," he said.
"After being drawn into the same group as Iraq, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, I believe it will be a good experience for our players.
"At the same time, we must try to step up to another level because, as I have always said, the gap [between teams] at age-restricted tournaments is not that big."
Although he admitted the three teams are not easy opponents, Ong also took positives from the draw.
"We know the Middle East teams have the benefit of playing each other often, but it will also give us an advantage because the three teams most probably have a similar playing style," he added.
The young Tigers, who secured their qualification in July, will participate at the tournament for the first time, which will take place in China in January 2018.
Also making their tournament debut are Palestine, who will play Japan, North Korea and Thailand in Group B.
Coincidentally, their three opponents finished champions, runners-up and third place respectively in the inaugural edition in 2013.
Following the draw that took place in Changzhou, China on Tuesday, national head coach Ong Kim Swee commented on the task at hand.
"Even before the draw, we were aware that regardless of which group we would be in, it would be a tough challenge," he said.
"After being drawn into the same group as Iraq, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, I believe it will be a good experience for our players.
"At the same time, we must try to step up to another level because, as I have always said, the gap [between teams] at age-restricted tournaments is not that big."
Although he admitted the three teams are not easy opponents, Ong also took positives from the draw.
"We know the Middle East teams have the benefit of playing each other often, but it will also give us an advantage because the three teams most probably have a similar playing style," he added.
The young Tigers, who secured their qualification in July, will participate at the tournament for the first time, which will take place in China in January 2018.
Also making their tournament debut are Palestine, who will play Japan, North Korea and Thailand in Group B.
The #AFCU23 Finals draw results are out! Thoughts on Malaysia's group? pic.twitter.com/7oQRUK3uNt
— Stadium Astro (@stadiumastro) October 24, 2017
