DEFENDER Aidil Zafuan Radzak is adamant that the national team’s chances of qualifying for the 2015 Asian Cup are bright despite dropping two points after the 1-1 draw with Bahrain on Tuesday.

   Bahrain, with seven points and Qatar (six), occupy the two automatic qualification spots in Group D with Malaysia third on four points after three matches each.

   However, the best third-placed team in the five qualifying groups will also make it to Australia and Malaysia are presently the best third-placed team ahead of Lebanon and Hong Kong on goal difference.

   Aidil, who returned from injury to partner Amiridzwan Taj Tajudin in central defence, believes that good performances in the remaining three qualifying matches will ensure Malaysia a spot in the Asian Cup.

   “Our chances of qualifying are still bright. If we can keep up this level of performance in the next three games and collect more points, we can get there,” said a determined Aidil, 26, after the match at the Shah Alam Stadium.

   “We were without a few key players and it’s not easy to get a point against a team like Bahrain. In my time with the national team, we have never got four points after three matches.

   “We can still qualify if we keep doing what we are doing.”

   Aidil said there was little that could have been done to prevent Bahrain’s goal by Abdulla Ahmed Saleh Abdulla Aman, which was cancelled by a fine strike from Norshahrul Idlan Talaha in the second half.

   “I am disappointed we let in a goal so close to half-time but it was not the  result of a mistake by the team. It was a world class goal,” said the Darul Takzim centre-back.

   “But I am proud with the way we responded and the 100 per cent effort from my teammates. We even had chances to win the game in the second half and now we will do our best to get a result in Bahrain (on Nov 15).”

   The match in Riffa will be followed by Qatar’s visit to Shah Alam four days later, which will make or break Malaysia’s qualification campaign.