Latest news with #AseanU-23Championship
The Star
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
AFF U-23: 1,620-strong security deployment for heated Indonesia-Malaysia football clash in Jakarta
JAKARTA, July 21 (Bernama): Close to 1,620 police officers and servicemen will be deployed for the Asean U-23 Championship (formerly the AFF U-23 Championship) Group A clash between Indonesia and Malaysia in Central Jakarta tonight, according to police. The third group match is scheduled for kickoff at 8 pm local time (9 pm Malaysian time) at Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Main Stadium, Senayan Sports Complex. "The security forces consist of officers from Metro Jaya police, counterparts from the armed forces, and several officers from the Indonesian National Police headquarters,' said a spokesperson from Metro Jaya District Police, Commissioner Ade Ary Syam Indradi, in a statement. He said traffic around the stadium area will be managed according to prevailing needs and situations. The Malaysia U-23 squad is gunning for a semifinal slot in this final Group A match against hosts Indonesia U-23, following a 0-2 loss to the Philippines U-23 in their opener on Tuesday and a 7-1 trouncing of Brunei U-23 on Friday. - Bernama
New Straits Times
13-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Muhammad aims to power Malaysia to U-23 Asean cup glory
SEPANG: Midfielder Muhammad Abu Khalil aims to contribute to Malaysia's Under-23 squad's mission of clinching the title at the 2025 Asean U-23 Championship, which kicks off in Jakarta this Tuesday. For Muhammad, the experience of learning football abroad in Japan and Thailand has become a crucial asset in boosting his performance on the regional stage with the Harimau Muda squad. "Yes, definitely. I went to Japan and Thailand, so with the experience I gained from a year abroad, God willing, it will help mature my style of play. "…and of course, we are aiming for the title," he told reporters at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) here today (July 13). Expanding further, Muhammad said the chemistry among players in the current training camp has made preparations smoother, as most of them have known each other since their academy days. "In this call-up, many players are ones we've known from before — from JDT Academy, AMD (Akademi Mokhtar Dahari) as well — and we've actually known these players for a long time, and now we've reunited again," he said. Meanwhile, head coach Mohd Nafuzi Zain said the opening match against the Philippines will be crucial in setting the tone and momentum for the team throughout the tournament. "I think that will be our turning point — the first match. Because even if we win, it doesn't guarantee anything yet. But it's like having 'one foot in', and that's the most important," he said. Nafuzi stressed that mental strength and self-confidence must be given priority, especially ahead of the much-anticipated clash against hosts Indonesia in the final group match. "Okay, in terms of mentality, in terms of self-confidence, that's the main aspect. We know that the Malaysia-Indonesia match will draw a lot of attention," he said. Previously, Mohd Nafuzi had set the semi-finals as a minimum target to pave the way to the final. Malaysia are drawn in Group A and will open their campaign against the Philippines on July 15, followed by Brunei on July 18, before concluding the group stage against Indonesia on July 21. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals scheduled for July 25, while the final and third-place playoff will take place on July 29. — BERNAMA
New Straits Times
25-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Cheng Hoe: It's time to get off the bench and scout
KUALA LUMPUR: The absence of a national Under-23 League in the 2025-2026 M-League season should not be used as an excuse for failing to identify or develop quality young players. The cancellation of the MFL Cup — the former U-23 competition — has slashed match-time opportunities for youth players, raising concerns over the depth and condition of Malaysia's U-23 talent pool. But national technical director Tan Cheng Hoe insists the responsibility still lies with coaches to adapt and find solutions. "We can't say it's harder now just because there's no U-23 competition in the M-League," said the former national coach during a press conference at Wisma FAM on Wednesday. "Coaches must learn to adapt. We and the clubs need to find ways to monitor these players. We'll also liaise directly with club coaches to keep tabs on their condition." National youth coach Nafuzi Zain has named 30 players in his training squad for next month's Asean U-23 Championship, including 12 from Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and eight from Selangor. These players are expected to see action with their feeder teams in the AFL A1 League, while the remaining 10, already with Super League senior squads, are expected to gain top-tier minutes. Cheng Hoe stressed the need for national coaches to be proactive. "Communication with club coaches is vital," he said.
