Latest news with #NationalUnder-23
New Straits Times
a day ago
- 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 Sun
25-06-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
ASEAN Under-23 Cup: Harimau Muda target semis
THE National Under-23 football squad are targeting to advance to the semi-finals of the 2025 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Under-23 Cup tournament to be held in Jakarta, from July 15 to 29. Head coach Mohd Nafuzi Zain said that to realise this ambition, the Harimau Muda squad are required to gain three full points in each match of the Group A competition against the Philippines on July 15, followed by Brunei (July 18), before closing the group stage against Indonesia (July 21). 'For the current situation, we are more focused on game by game, especially starting with the crucial match against the Philippines. After that, we face Brunei and the toughest challenge will be up against hosts Indonesia. 'So we are aiming to qualify for the semi-finals but have to get through the group stage first. The semi-finals will give us space to scheme and reach the final,' he told a press conference to announce the list of 30 players picked for Harimau Muda's centralised training, here today. Nineteen of the 26 players who were gathered after the Elite Games match yesterday were called to join the camp which will start on July 1. The players will join 11 existing players in the National Under-23 squad, including Zulhilmi Sharani and Muhammad Faris Danish Mohd Asrul from Johor Darul Ta'zim II (JDT II) as well as Abdul Rahman Daud and Muhammad Alif Izwan Yuslan from Selangor FC. Meanwhile, Nafuzi hopes the players called up, who pack the average experience of Super League action, can help the squad realise that target. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals scheduled for July 25, while the third-place match and final will take place on July 29.
Barnama
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Barnama
ASEAN Under-23 Cup: Harimau Muda Target Semis
PETALING JAYA, June 25 (Bernama) -- The National Under-23 football squad are targeting to advance to the semi-finals of the 2025 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Under-23 Cup tournament to be held in Jakarta, from July 15 to 29. Head coach Mohd Nafuzi Zain said that to realise this ambition, the Harimau Muda squad are required to gain three full points in each match of the Group A competition against the Philippines on July 15, followed by Brunei (July 18), before closing the group stage against Indonesia (July 21). "For the current situation, we are more focused on game by game, especially starting with the crucial match against the Philippines. After that, we face Brunei and the toughest challenge will be up against hosts Indonesia.
Barnama
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Barnama
Three Super League Clubs To Test National U-23 Squad
KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Bernama) -- Three Super League clubs are slated to play friendly matches against the National Under-23 (U-23) football squad in preparation for the 2025 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) U-23 Championship in Jakarta from July 15 to 29. National Under-23 squad head coach Mohd Nafuzi Zain said the matches were part of his plan after tomorrow's announcement of 30 players selected for centralised training camp. "The centralised training will only be held here (in the country) from July 1 to 12. We will have three matches against the Super League clubs but it is still in the process (of evaluation).
