Latest news with #Nafuzi
The Star
22-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Early exit for Harimau Muda but Nafuzi sees silver lining
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's early exit from the AFF Under-23 Championship may sting but it could also be the wake-up call Harimau Muda need ahead of their bigger test in September. A goalless draw against hosts Indonesia sealed their fate as the national youth side bowed out of the group stage at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium in Surabaya on Monday. Malaysia had earlier suffered a 0-2 defeat to the Philippines in the opening group match but defeated Brunei 7-1. Despite the disappointment, head coach Nafuzi Zain sees the campaign as a valuable stepping stone before the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers. 'There's disappointment but I'm proud of their commitment. It was not easy playing in this stadium,' said Nafuzi. 'We absorbed the pressure well and throughout the 90 minutes, Indonesia didn't have clear chances, except from long throw-ins.' While Malaysia lacked a cutting edge in the final third, they demonstrated tactical discipline and defensive composure, especially in how they neutralised the host nation's attacking threats. One of the standout performers was centreback Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili, who silenced Indonesian strikers Jens Raven and Hokky Caraka with grit and aggression. What's more important is that he didn't show any fear during the game, which bodes well for his development. 'It was a high-pressure game, and to me, the players responded well,' said Nafuzi. 'This is an age-group competition, and some players are still gaining international experience, we surely need to plan better. 'Now, the players know what it takes to compete at this level and I hope it will help them mature and show growth in the game before the AFC Under-23 qualifiers.' With the AFF campaign now behind them, Nafuzi and his squad will turn their focus to the AFC U-23 qualifiers – where Malaysia will face stronger opponents and a higher level of intensity. 'It's now about learning from the defeat and stepping up when it matters most.'
New Straits Times
22-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Another wake-up call for Malaysian football after Asean Under-23 flop
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia have just found out sadly that they are not among the top four nations in Under-23 football in Southeast Asia. So, what does that say about Malaysia's chances in the Asian Under-23 qualifier, which is of a much higher level? Can the feeble Harimau Muda knock themselves back in shape for the Under-23 Asian Cup qualifying competition in Thailand from Sept 3-9? Malaysia failed to reach the Under-23 Asean Championship semi-finals in Jakarta last week after losing 2-0 to the Philippines, beating Brunei 7-1 and drawing 0-0 with Indonesia in the past week. Football critic Dr Zulakbal Abdul Karim has warned that unless swift action is taken, Malaysia could suffer another early exit in the Asian campaign. "I watched the match against Indonesia. Our players showed they can play under pressure in front of the Indonesian crowd. They were good individually, but the problem is they couldn't score or function as a team," said the AFC Professional Coaching Diploma holder. "The players also seemed to lack match fitness, probably because they're coming off-season. The preparation appears insufficient. By now, there should already be a full analysis of what went wrong and a plan to fix it. "We have barely two months before the Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers. Time is short, but if there's a clear plan, the team can bounce back." Malaysia are drawn in Group F with hosts Thailand, Lebanon and Mongolia in the Asian qualifiers. In the last two editions — 2022 in Uzbekistan and 2024 in Qatar — Malaysia failed to progress past the group stage. Malaysia's best performance was in their debut in 2018 in China, where they reached the quarter-finals before going down 2-1 to South Korea. Zulakbal said that addressing the team's lack of leadership and bite in attack must be a key focus. "The FAM technical committee needs to identify the flaws, formulate solutions, and design training plans to address them. There's not much time, but with proper planning, the team can be in better shape," said Zulakbal. "There is no clear leadership in the squad and the finishing is lacking. These are crucial areas that need to be fixed. The team also need a proper periodisation plan for the qualifiers. "The team have talented players, but they need proper preparation to become a solid, fighting unit. If we don't address the issues, we'll face another heartbreak." Meanwhile coach Nafuzi Zain admitted that his National Under-23 team still have much to improve on. He said preparation and planning must be given serious attention, especially when dealing with young players who have limited international experience. Nafuzi said the current squad are still in the team-building phase and need more time and space to grow. "Overall, there are many things that need to be improved, particularly in terms of team preparation." Nafuzi believes that the Under-23 team have great potential, but they need long-term planning and comprehensive support from all stakeholders. He also called on fans to remain patient and continue supporting the national youth squad.
The Star
20-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Caution's the name of the game as Nafuzi plots upset over Indonesia
PETALING JAYA: National Under-23 football team head coach Nafuzi Zain is wary ahead of the team's crucial group clash against hosts Indonesia in the AFF U-23 Championship on Sunday (July 20). In a must-win game for Malaysia to stand a chance of getting to the semi-finals, Nafuzi is wary of Indonesia's quality players as the hosts sit top of Group A with two wins. "Based on how Indonesia played their two group matches, it's clear they are a very good team," said Nafuzi. "Individually, the players possess great quality, especially when it comes to their speed and physical strength. "We can see the way they play with speed in their game. Some of the players play in the Indonesia Liga 1 and show high maturity," he said. Indonesia thrashed Brunei 8-0 in their opening group match and followed this up with a 1-0 win over the Philippines. Malaysia are currently in third place with three points, after a 7-1 win against Brunei on Friday and a 0-2 loss in their opening match against the Philippines, who are second in the group, level on points with Malaysia. Nafuzi added that the team are injury-free, with wingers Aliff Izwan Yuslan and Faris Danish ready after being rested for the match against Brunei. "So far, everything has been going well. The team is positive and the injured players are also back in training. "Hopefully, we can field them for the big match against Indonesia," he said. The Harimau Muda will be facing a tough challenge at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium and Nafuzi said the team is likely to be similar to the squad that faced Brunei.
The Star
20-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Nafuzi takes goal conceded in big win seriously, as Indonesia loom
Happiness: The national players celebrating their 7-1 victory over Brunei in the AFF U-23 Championship on Friday. — Bernama PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Under-23 coach Nafuzi Zain was pleased with his team's 7-1 drubbing of Brunei in the AFF U-23 Championship on Friday but he admitted the goal conceded was a blemish on their dominant performance. 'The scoreline was good, but when you concede, it doesn't leave a perfect impression. Still, we will learn from it and make sure to bounce back,' Nafuzi said after the Group A clash at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. The Harimau Muda were clinical in attack, netting seven past a hapless Brunei side and showing the kind of sharpness Nafuzi had been demanding from his forwards. 'Alhamdulillah, the players gave a good performance and showed high commitment, especially the front line, which was more clinical this time,' he said. Despite the emphatic win, Nafuzi warned against complacency as Malaysia prepare for what he called their toughest test yet – the highly anticipated clash against tournament hosts Indonesia on Monday. 'I don't want the team to get too comfortable with this big win because a bigger challenge awaits us in the final group match against Indonesia.' He acknowledged that the Malaysia-Indonesia fixture is always highly charged and emotionally intense, not just for players but for fans as well. 'This match against Indonesia is the one everyone is looking forward to. 'It's also the toughest because we're facing the hosts and one of the title favourites. 'Like it or not, we must find a way to win to qualify for the semi-finals.' Nafuzi is expecting a cauldron-like atmosphere in Jakarta and has called on his players to show mental resilience and composure. 'Indonesia's supporters are extraordinary. So my players must be mentally prepared, have confidence and know how to handle the pressure during the match.' Against Brunei, Nafuzi made six changes to the starting 11, giving valuable minutes to players who have seen limited action so far in the tournament. The rotation also helped preserve the fitness of key players ahead of the crunch tie. 'We gave opportunities to all players to get game time. This is also important as preparation for the next match,' he added. It is a must-win game for Malaysia against Indonesia if they want to stand a chance of getting to the semi-finals.
The Sun
19-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Malaysia U-23 gears up for key AFF clash vs Indonesia
RIDING high on their emphatic 7-1 win over Brunei today, the national Under-23 (U-23) football squad will waste no time in preparing for a tougher challenge against Indonesia on July 21 to determine their semi-final hopes in the AFF U-23 Championship. Head coach Nafuzi Zain said the focus was now entirely on building a solid strategy and getting the players mentally and physically ready for the decisive Group A match. 'The match against Indonesia is the biggest challenge. But we will not back down. Our focus now is on recovery, and on mental and physical preparations for the next match,' he said after the game here. He said a detailed analysis would be conducted to identify Indonesia's strengths and weaknesses, but acknowledged that playing at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Main Stadium would present significant challenges and pressure. He said this situation required the players to be highly motivated and fully prepared to face the thunderous cheers of the home crowd and enter the field with full confidence. 'We know Indonesian fans are extraordinary and extremely passionate, but our players are also very spirited. This is the time to prove their capability,' he said. Commenting on his decision to change the starting lineup against Brunei today, Nafuzi explained that it was due to player injuries and to give others a chance to gain experience. Man of the Match Muhammad Haqimi Azim Rosli, who scored twice, vowed to give his best and carry the winning momentum into the next game. 'I promise to give 100 per cent to help the team reach the semi-finals,' he said - BERNAMA
