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New Straits Times
12-07-2025
- 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.
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Malaysia U-23 team eyes AFF Cup glory with Tierney's diamond mindset
NATIONAL forward Fergus Tierney summed up his approach to the upcoming 2025 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Under-23 Cup with a simple yet powerful phrase: 'Pressure creates diamonds.' The young striker, who has already earned caps at the senior level, remains unfazed by the high expectations as Malaysia prepares for the tournament in Jakarta from July 15 to 29. Under head coach Nafuzi Zain, the team has been refining its tactics and conditioning in the final stretch before the competition. Tierney expressed confidence in the squad's progress, stating, 'We are learning a lot every day. We still have a week to go before the tournament, so there's still a lot we need to improve.' His determination was evident in a recent warm-up match against Melaka FC, where he scored twice in a 4-1 victory at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras. Aliff Izwan Yuslan and Muhammad Faris Danish Mohd Asrul contributed the remaining goals, showcasing the team's attacking depth. Coach Nafuzi emphasized that fitness remains a top priority, noting improvements in speed and movement. However, he acknowledged the tougher challenges ahead, saying, 'We know the real challenge will be much tougher than our current situation.' With a clear target of reaching the semi-finals, Malaysia will open their Group A campaign against the Philippines on July 15, followed by matches against Brunei on July 18 and hosts Indonesia on July 21. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals on July 25, with the final set for July 29. - Bernama
The Sun
05-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Malaysia U23 football team shows promise ahead of ASEAN Cup
EVEN with only four days of training together, the national Under 23 (U23) football squad was able to beat PDRM FC 1-0 in a friendly match ahead of the ASEAN U23 Mandiri Cup in Jakarta. Head coach Nafuzi Zain said the match was important for the coaches to evaluate the playing style of the squad, especially to incorporate various input in the short training. 'Even though it's not perfect, the players today were very positive in translating all instructions and plans assigned to them and most importantly, they managed to create opportunities to score. 'We still have time to train, including two friendly matches, to create understanding between players and boost their fitness levels,' he told reporters at the Sime Darby Training Field, Bukit Jelutong here today. The starting lineup was still being decided and was in final evaluation and it would depend on how players performed in the two friendly matches this week, he added. On the U23 ASEAN Mandiri Cup, Nafuzi said the squad was excited especially when they heard that tickets were sold out. 'We are rather excited about playing in Gelora Bung Karno Stadium filled with football fans. The experience is important to remind us to be ready physically and mentally. 'What I can say is that data and analysis from the friendly matches will show the level of our performance in Jakarta,' he said. The U-23 squad will play Melaka FC on July 8 and Negeri Sembilan on July 11 before leaving for Jakarta, Indonesia. U23 midfielder Roshisham Haiqal scored the solitary winning goal in the 61st minute to secure his team's win over PDRM FC earlier today. - Bernama
