No excuses: U-23 loss exposes cracks in Malaysia's 'football revolution'

New Straits Times

3 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia had no business losing to the Philippines at the Under-23 Asean Championship, especially with the country in the midst of a self-declared football revolution.
On Tuesday, Nafuzi Zain's side were expected to steamroll the Philippines in their Group A opener, but instead slumped to a shocking 2-0 defeat in Jakarta, with 18-year-old Otu Bisong netting both goals.
The Young Tigers dominated with 70 per cent possession, but their poor shot accuracy — just 23 per cent compared to the Philippines' 43 — proved costly.
Despite fielding nine players from the squad that won the Under-19 Asean Championship three years ago in Indonesia, Malaysia looked stagnant.
Their three warm-up matches before flying to Jakarta appeared insufficient.
Football critic Dr Zulakbal Abdul Karim didn't hold back in his assessment, saying the team looked unprepared.
"They were slow to settle and seemed nervous, conceding early and late in the first half," said Zulakbal.
"We had chances but couldn't convert them — that shows the preparation wasn't good enough.
"The Philippines, under no pressure, played simple football and got the win.
"When our senior team beat Vietnam 4-0 (in last month's Asian Cup qualifier), it gave a huge lift to Malaysian football. But confidence without proper preparation is dangerous.
"We're seeing so-called weaker teams like Cambodia, Laos and the Philippines improving. The gap is narrowing."
Zulakbal said Malaysia must quickly move past the defeat, as their mental strength will be tested in Friday's match against Brunei and Monday's clash with hosts Indonesia.
Coach Nafuzi. whose "Nafuzi Ball" brand of play once brought excitement to the Super League with Terengganu and Kedah, must now dig deep tactically to lift the squad.
"It's now a do-or-die mission for the U-23 side. The players must respond positively. A good coach lifts morale and finds solutions," said Zulakbal.