Latest news with #Under-23Championship
The Star
15-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Nafuzi's men rue poor finishing after shock loss to Philippines
Non-stop attack: Malaysia's Mohd Harry Danish Mohd Haizon (top) battles for the ball with the Philippines goalkeeper Nicholas Guimaraes during their AFF U-23 Championship match at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta. — AP PETALING JAYA: Malaysia were made to rue a string of missed chances as a clinical Philippines side punished them and trooped off with a 2-0 win in their opening Asean Football Federation (AFF) Under-23 Championship Group A game at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta yesterday. The Harimau Muda could have taken the lead as early as the sixth minute when winger Aliff Izwan Yuslan unleashed a stinging left-footed shot from the right, only to be denied by a sharp save from Filipino goalkeeper Nicholas Guimaraes. But it was the Young Azkals who struck first against the run of play. A swift counter-attack led by Javier Mariona set up striker Otu Abang Banatao, who calmly finished with a poacher's touch in the 13th minute. Malaysia nearly responded in the 19th minute when forward Haqimi Azim Rosli cut in from the left and rifled a shot that beat the keeper but crashed against the post. Despite enjoying 72% of the possession and creating 11 chances in the first half, the Young Tigers lacked the cutting edge to break through. Missed opportunities and a lack of composure in the final third proved costly. Things got worse in the 42nd minute when Banatao doubled the lead, this time latching onto a clever pass from Uriel Dalapo before slotting past helpless Malaysian keeper Zulhilmi Sharani. The 18-year-old striker's brace highlighted the Azkals' ruthless efficiency in front of goal. After the break, Malaysia turned up the intensity, pushing wingbacks higher up the pitch in search of a way back. However, the Filipino defence, marshalled superbly by centreback Gavin Muens, stood tall and unyielding. Coach Nafuzi Zain's men continued to dominate possession but were let down by a lack of creativity and decisiveness in the final third. Frustration grew as the minutes ticked away, with the Filipino backline repelling wave after wave of Malaysian attacks. The result leaves Malaysia with no margin for error. To stand any chance of a strong showing in the competition, they must now beat Brunei on Friday and hosts Indonesia on July 21 – both at the same venue. Nafuzi said ball-watching was the reason why they conceded the two goals but also asserted that his side did try to wrestle the game away from the Philippines. 'In terms of performance, we did well from the first minute to the end. We had our chances. In the first half, we made mistakes in defence,'' said Nafuzi. ''We allowed two easy goals. We didn't give up, we tried, had chances but just could not get it in the back of the net. 'From the beginning, we could see some players didn't settle down. We were ball watching and expecting others to help. I guess that led to the goals.'
The Star
09-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Ziad feeling all pumped up for U-23 tourney after solid win over Melaka
KUALA LUMPUR: National Under-23 midfielder Ziad El-Basheer Norhisham is brimming with pride and purpose as he gears up for the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Under-23 Championship in Indonesia from July 15 to 29. Fresh from a spirited training camp and a morale-boosting 4-1 victory over Malaysia's Super League side Melaka at the Cheras Football Stadium on Tuesday, the 21-year-old believes the squad are ready to make a strong statement in Surabaya. 'We've shown that we can bring this kind of spirit to Indonesia,' said the Johor Darul Ta'zim II player. 'We played well, beat a Super League team, and hopefully this momentum will carry us through the tournament.' While the preparation window was short, Ziad insists the team's unity has helped them gel quickly, something he attributes to the atmosphere created by both players and coaching staff. 'It feels like we've been in a long camp. The chemistry is strong and positive. We're close off the field, and on the field there are no issues.' This will be Ziad's second AFF tournament, having previously represented Malaysia at the AFF Under-19 Championship – also held in Indonesia. Coach Nafuzi Zain stressed that fitness is the top priority at this stage, adding that his squad are already showing sharper speed and movement. 'We know the real challenge will be much tougher than our current situation,' he said. Malaysia kick off their Group A campaign against the Philippines on July 15, followed by Brunei on July 18, and wrap up the group stage with a showdown against hosts Indonesia on July 21. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals on July 25, with the third-place playoff and final scheduled for July 29.
The Star
02-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Young defender Ubaidullah ready to face AFF test head-on
SUBANG JAYA: Malaysian defender Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili (pic) knows it will not be a walk in the park at the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Under-23 Championship in Indonesia from July 15-29. Drawn into the challenging Group A alongside tournament hosts Indonesia, the Philippines and Brunei, the 21-year-old is bracing for a tough campaign – but he's not backing down. Instead of being overwhelmed, Ubaidullah is embracing the challenge as a learning experience. 'I would like to thank my coach Nafuzi Zain for giving me the opportunity to play. It is a great honour to represent the country, and I see this as a valuable chance to grow,' said Ubaidullah. 'I think the tournament will be an opportunity to gain valuable experience for our team as we will be facing teams that will parade quality players. 'Hopefully, this will also be a platform for us to improve ourselves in the game.' Ubaidullah said the game against hosts Indonesian would be the most exciting. 'Indonesia will be making full use of their home advantage. The fans in this country are well know for their passion in the game. 'There surely will be some pressure considering Indonesia have quality players but we aim to enjoy the game and achieve good results.' Ubaidullah added that he had been learning from his senior teammates, who have done well in recent tournaments, ahead of their games in Jakarta. He had a chance to brush shoulders with the seniors as he stole the spotlight briefly when he was named man-of-the-match during an international friendly against Cape Verde at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras last month, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Ubaidullah stressed that having experience with the senior squad does not guarantee an automatic spot in this young squad. 'First of all, I was lucky to be selected for this camp. But there is no guarantee of final selection. I see two or three players vying for the same position in the team. So I'm taking it seriously to fight for a berth,' he said. ''I'm inspired by the seniors' results. I will try to follow their lifestyle and disciplined routines to improve myself.'
