Latest news with #AseanChampionship
New Straits Times
10 hours ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Coach Nafuzi calls for U-23 rebound after Asean shock
KUALA LUMPUR: National Under-23 coach Nafuzi Zain has urged his players to bounce back quickly from their humiliating 2-0 defeat to the Philippines at the Asean Championship. Malaysia were expected to cruise to victory in their Group A opener but were left stunned after Otu Bisong struck twice in the first half at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Tuesday, despite dominating 70 per cent of possession. With only the group winners guaranteed a place in the semi-finals, Malaysia must now beat Brunei on Friday and hosts Indonesia next week to stay in contention for the title. Nafuzi hopes the shock defeat to the unfancied Filipinos will serve as a wake-up call. However, he refused to pin the blame on his players, stressing that the squad are still gaining experience at international level. "We played well, created plenty of chances but couldn't score. That was our most glaring weakness. The Philippines took theirs, and that was the difference — they won, we didn't," said Nafuzi in Jakarta. "We can't dwell on this defeat. We need to fix what's lacking, especially in defence and attack. The Brunei match is crucial, and we'll do whatever it takes to win." In the group's other match on Tuesday, Indonesia hammered Brunei 8-0. Meanwhile, defender Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili called on his teammates to tighten up at the back and produce a more organised display in their next outing. "Our biggest issue was failing to cover quickly. We were too open when they attacked," said Ubaidullah. "This is a valuable lesson for the team and for myself, and we need to be better prepared for the next match." The Young Tigers have yet to win the Asean Championship since its inception in 2005, with their best finishes being fourth place in the inaugural edition and again in 2023.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Malaysia get 'Pinoy lesson' at U-23 Asean Championship
KUALA LUMPUR: The national youth team produced a dismal display as they were stunned 2-0 by the Philippines in their Asean Championship Group A clash at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Tuesday. The Young Tigers were expected to ease past their opponents, but a first-half brace from 18-year-old Otu Bisong left coach Nafuzi Zain with a nightmare start in his first outing in charge. Bisong punished Malaysia's sluggish defence early, striking in the ninth minute before doubling the lead in the 40th with a slick counterattack that left the backline flat-footed. Despite enjoying 70 per cent possession, Malaysia were toothless in attack and wasted a string of chances — a pattern that proved costly. "The players were nervous and guilty of ball-watching. We created chances but just couldn't convert," said a visibly frustrated Nafuzi after the match. Malaysia will now look to salvage their campaign against Brunei on Friday before facing hosts Indonesia in their final group match on July 21.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Malaysia eye opening win over Philippines
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and the Philippines are due to play their Group A football opener of the Asean Championship at Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno Stadium tomorrow, and they have plenty in common - a new coach and squad. Young Tigers' head coach Nafuzi Zain said: "This is a a new experience for me on the international stage. Most of our players are new too." Malaysia are drawn into a tough Group A alongside hosts Indonesia, Brunei and the Philippines. While many fans are already eyeing Malaysia's showdown with Indonesia on July 21, Nafuzi isn't taking his eyes off the immediate hurdle. "I'm focused on the first game against the Philippines. "If we win it, it's still not a guarantee, but we'll have one foot in the next round. The goal is to progress to the semi-finals, and a win in our opening match makes the path clearer." The Philippine team also arrived in Jakarta with a newly assembled team and a fresh face in the technical area. Australian coach Garrath McPherson was only officially announced last week, but he brings with him a wealth of experience from both the men's and women's national setups. "For me, football is football," said McPherson, who previously worked with Brisbane Roar and served as an assistant with the Philippines women's team. "The systems and structures apply regardless of the level. We've had good experiences over the past nine months, the King's Cup, Merdeka Cup, and AFF Cup, and we'll draw from those."
Bangkok Post
3 days ago
- Sport
- Bangkok Post
Sharp Yotsakorn eyes final as Thais begin Asean quest
Thailand U23 forward Yotsakorn Burapha is aiming to lead the team to the final in the 2025 Asean Championship starting this week in Indonesia. Thailand are in Group C along with Myanmar and Timor Leste for the July 15-29 tournament. Yotsakorn, who plays for PT Prachuap, said he will try to bring his experience at the club level to help the U23 national team. "The experience I have gained playing for Prachuap will be very helpful for the national team. The training with the U23 team has given me a chance to learn all the tactics but personally I think I can do better. I will try to learn more from the coach. "With my teammates, we still need to adjust our timing to get the best performance. I will try to do my best and help lead the team to the final," he added. Goalkeeper Sorawan Phoman added, "The players have been training hard for this tournament. There are things we still need to improve but working with the coach has been great. The players are learning his tactics very well. "We will try to do our best and win the Asean Championship," he added. The training continued Sunday with coach Thawatchai Dumrong-ongtrakul focusing on offensive and defensive tactics. Thailand will play Timor on July 19 and will meet Myanmar three days later.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Young Tigers to unleash 'Nafuzi Ball' at Asean Championship
KUALA LUMPUR: National youth coach Nafuzi Zain is banking on his trademark attacking style, dubbed "Nafuzi Ball", to inspire his Under-23 squad at the Asean Championship in Jakarta on July 15-28. The 47-year-old, renowned for transforming Terengganu into one of the Super League's most exciting sides from 2019 to 2022, is now aiming to apply the same philosophy on the international stage. With three warm-up matches completed — two wins (1-0 against Police and 4-1 against Melaka FC) and one defeat (1-0 to Negri Sembilan) — Nafuzi says performance, not results, remains his focus. "We're still in a building phase. It's not about results but how we play," he said. "There's been day-by-day improvement, especially in the players' ability to execute my style. I'm happy with their commitment." "Nafuzi Ball" — characterised by fluid passing, aggressive pressing and attacking intelligence — powered Terengganu to back-to-back Malaysia Cup semi-finals and a Super League runners-up finish in 2021, often outclassing richer clubs. The style followed him to Kedah Darul Aman in 2023, where he helped stabilise performances and again implemented his tactical identity. Now at the helm of the national Under-23 side, Nafuzi is introducing the same principles, albeit with tweaks. "This is my philosophy, my style. But of course, adjustments are needed — these are young players and we've had limited time," he said. "They're responding well and absorbing the ideas. That's the essence of 'Nafuzi Ball' — understanding and expressing our identity on the pitch." For Malaysia's Group A opener against the Philippines on July 15, Nafuzi hinted his first XI is taking shape following tactical experimentation in the friendlies. Trainees Fakrul Haikal and G. Pavitran are sidelined with injuries, but the rest of the squad are fit, and more importantly, eager. "Our most recent friendly ended without injuries, and that's crucial. We're managing their load and balancing fitness with preparation," he added. The Young Tigers are already drawing attention, with captain Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili and forward Haqimi Azim Rosli listed by tournament organisers as "players to watch". "They've both played in the Super League and been called up to the senior national team — that experience gives them an edge," said Nafuzi. Leadership duties will likely fall to Ubaidullah or midfielder Aysar Hadi Shapri, but the coach is keeping his options open. "They've shown leadership before and naturally stand out, but I'm also watching to see who steps up under pressure," he said. This will be Nafuzi's first international outing with the national youth side. The other teams in Group A are hosts Indonesia and Brunei. Only the group winners and the best runner-up from three groups will reach the semi-finals. The team will depart for Jakarta on Sunday.
