Training camp up north ideal, but U-23 team incomplete without three key players
While the training camp in Thailand is the perfect platform to prepare for the upcoming 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers, Nafuzi won't have some of his most important players at his disposal - at least not yet.
'I want to thank FAM (Football Association of Malaysia) for organising this camp in Thailand to prepare us well for the qualifiers,' Nafuzi said.
'We've got players from the A1 League and the Super League, and I appreciate the coaches who released them for us.'
However, three key players - Terengganu centreback Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili, Selangor winger Alif Izwan Yuslan and Sabah striker Fergus Tierney remain with their clubs, who are reluctant to release them outside of the FIFA international window.
'They're key men for their clubs now, so we understand. But we're also hopeful they will be released for national duty.
'We know their quality, and they've played with the boys we've selected before.''
Nafuzi's charges are in Group G, which pits them against Thailand, Lebanon and Mongolia.
All the matches will be staged at the BG Stadium in Pathum Thani, with only group winners assured of a ticket to Saudi Arabia.
For now, Nafuzi has shifted his focus to two friendlies against Kuwait and Oman in Bangkok.
For him, they are more than just warm-up games - they are a rehearsal for the intensity Malaysia will face in their opening qualifier against Lebanon.
'Lebanon are a good side, and all the teams we're up against are tough. These games will test us, and that's what we need. It won't be easy, but we will try our best.'
The AFF U-23 Championship in July this year left scars but also provided valuable lessons.
Malaysia fell short in the group stages, while Thailand finished third in the competition - despite not fielding several of their main playersr.
'That tournament gave me a view of the game, and it made me learn and plan better for the qualifiers. We still have a lot to improve on,' said Nafuzi.
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PETALING JAYA: When Malaysia Under-23 football team coach Nafuzi Zain looks at his squad settling into camp in Bangkok, he sees both an opportunity and a challenge. While the training camp in Thailand is the perfect platform to prepare for the upcoming 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers, Nafuzi won't have some of his most important players at his disposal - at least not yet. 'I want to thank FAM (Football Association of Malaysia) for organising this camp in Thailand to prepare us well for the qualifiers,' Nafuzi said. 'We've got players from the A1 League and the Super League, and I appreciate the coaches who released them for us.' However, three key players - Terengganu centreback Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili, Selangor winger Alif Izwan Yuslan and Sabah striker Fergus Tierney remain with their clubs, who are reluctant to release them outside of the FIFA international window. 'They're key men for their clubs now, so we understand. But we're also hopeful they will be released for national duty. 'We know their quality, and they've played with the boys we've selected before.'' Nafuzi's charges are in Group G, which pits them against Thailand, Lebanon and Mongolia. All the matches will be staged at the BG Stadium in Pathum Thani, with only group winners assured of a ticket to Saudi Arabia. For now, Nafuzi has shifted his focus to two friendlies against Kuwait and Oman in Bangkok. For him, they are more than just warm-up games - they are a rehearsal for the intensity Malaysia will face in their opening qualifier against Lebanon. 'Lebanon are a good side, and all the teams we're up against are tough. These games will test us, and that's what we need. It won't be easy, but we will try our best.' The AFF U-23 Championship in July this year left scars but also provided valuable lessons. Malaysia fell short in the group stages, while Thailand finished third in the competition - despite not fielding several of their main playersr. 'That tournament gave me a view of the game, and it made me learn and plan better for the qualifiers. We still have a lot to improve on,' said Nafuzi.
