Josue admits he was surprised by Malaysia's withdrawal
The 36-year-old Brazil-born Josue felt the Nations Cup would have provided valuable experience for Malaysia's players as the tournament features strong teams like Iran and Uzbekistan.
KL City midfielder Josue has earned 26 caps and scored nine goals since his Malaysia debut in March 2023.
However, he believes that the replacement matches for Malaysia following the Nations Cup withdrawal, are still worthwhile. Harimau Malaya will play friendlies against Palestine and Singapore in September in Kuala Lumpur.
"It's Fifa days, so we need to play with someone. I think Singapore has a strong team. Palestine is also a top country. It's interesting for us to play them and to keep testing ourselves," said Josue.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- New Straits Times
FIFA ban on Kelantan club over soon?
KUALA LUMPUR: Kelantan The Real Warriors (KTRW) president Tan Sri Anuar Musa has claimed that the club are close to getting the Fifa transfer ban on them lifted. But he added that the process is far more complex than outsiders may realise. Anuar said today that eight of the nine FIFA cases (salaries not paid to players) against KTRW — inherited from their previous team, Kelantan Darul Naim FC — have been settled. "We are now waiting for Fifa to confirm it in their system. Usually, Fifa takes about five working days to update it." Anuar's comments come amid allegations by former Kelantan striker Mohamad Ghaddar, who is now a player agent. Ghaddar has hit out at Anuar and the club's CEO, Datuk Irwan Rizal Ali Napiah, following a failed transfer deal involving Syrian defender Moaiad Alkhouli. Ghaddar claimed he personally financed Alkhouli's travel to Malaysia, only for the club to go silent after the player passed his medical. Ghaddar's claims have reignited questions over Kelantan's finances and also the Malaysian Football League's decision to still allow them to compete in the 2025-2026 Super League. However, Anuar insists that KTRW are doing everything by the book. "When a sanction is imposed, the release must go through a rather long process. Clubs must be careful and not treat this lightly," he said. "All these aspects must be properly managed. The process of rescuing the club is not as simple as some people may think but we are committed to doing it. "We must also ensure that the International Transfer Certificate for each player is properly completed before registration can happen," he said. Despite Anuar's reassurances, KTRW's name remains on Fifa's player registration ban list. Malaysia currently has 18 complaints at FIFA, more than any other Asian nations, with Kelantan responsible for eight of them. KTRW have been barred from registering new players and can only retain players from last season, including those from their President's Cup squad.
The Star
13 hours ago
- The Star
Soccer-Brazil's tactical balance tested as Colombia rematch looms in Copa America final
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Women's Copa America - Semi Final - Brazil v Uruguay - Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado, Quito, Ecuador - July 29, 2025 Brazil's Giovana celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates REUTERS/Cristina Vega/File Photo (Reuters) -Brazil have cruised into the Women's Copa America final with dominant scorelines and solid performances, but their biggest challenge awaits in Saturday's rematch against Colombia, a side determined to dethrone the defending champions. Arthur Elias's team has not leaned on star power to reach the final. Instead, Brazil's run has been defined by tactical balance: a disciplined backline, coordinated pressing, sharp execution on set pieces, and exploiting their opponent's defensive miscues. Their success is largely down to a core of new figures, such as Amanda Gutierres, who is the leading scorer for the team in the tournament with five goals and plays a central role in attack. Her brace in their semi-final win over Uruguay underscored her sharp positioning and composure in front of goal. "Hard work pays off," the Palmeiras striker said after the 5-1 victory. "Nothing is forced, everything happens at the right moment." Meanwhile, the experience of Marta continues to anchor the group. The veteran playmaker, who returned from international retirement for this tournament, was named MVP in the semi-final after a standout performance, assisting the opening goal and converting a penalty. Captain Marta's energy in Quito's altitude, along with her leadership and vision, has brought balance to a side still finding their rhythm. "We knew what to do when we had the ball, especially finding the passes between the lines," Marta said, also praising Brazil's defensive response after a shaky start to the second half. "(Goalkeeper) Claudia and the girls at the back sorted things out." While defensively solid with just two goals conceded in five matches, Brazil's intensity lapses have created openings that Colombia, led by Linda Caicedo and Mayra Ramirez, could punish. Their group-stage goalless draw saw Colombia dominate for 70 minutes after goalkeeper Lorena's red card, highlighting the fine margins the eight-time champions must control in the final. Brazil may not dazzle for 90 minutes, but their formula built on discipline, rotation and rising confidence has proved effective. Colombia represent their sternest test yet, but with a blend of energy and experience the reigning champions are positioned to complete their mission again. (Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
The Sun
19 hours ago
- The Sun
Kelantan TRW to resolve Ghaddar issue professionally
KELANTAN The Real Warriors Football Club (Kelantan TRW) will handle the issues raised by former import player Mohamad Ghaddar in accordance with existing regulations. Club president Tan Sri Annuar Musa stated that the management has been advised against responding to the matter on social media to prevent misunderstandings and reputational damage. 'I had advised the management not to engage on social media platforms because not everyone out there understands matters related to rules and regulations, and also because it can tarnish the reputation of certain people,' said Annuar. He emphasized that the club would resolve Ghaddar's concerns through discussions and discretion. Ghaddar had publicly criticized Kelantan TRW's management for failing to finalize the signing of Syrian player Moaiad Alkhouli and for ignoring his messages regarding the issue. Annuar assured that the club would address the matter professionally. In a separate development, Annuar confirmed that all salary arrears cases involving imported players from the previous club, Kelantan Darul Naim (KDN) FC, have been settled with FIFA. 'We had nine cases in total, including one latest case. Everything has been resolved, and we are currently awaiting the FIFA system to update its status,' he said. The club is also preparing to register a new Filipino import player for the upcoming season. - Bernama
