Early exit for Harimau Muda but Nafuzi sees silver lining

The Star

6 days ago

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's early exit from the AFF Under-23 Championship may sting but it could also be the wake-up call Harimau Muda need ahead of their bigger test in September.
A goalless draw against hosts Indonesia sealed their fate as the national youth side bowed out of the group stage at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium in Surabaya on Monday.
Malaysia had earlier suffered a 0-2 defeat to the Philippines in the opening group match but defeated Brunei 7-1.
Despite the disappointment, head coach Nafuzi Zain sees the campaign as a valuable stepping stone before the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers.
'There's disappointment but I'm proud of their commitment. It was not easy playing in this stadium,' said Nafuzi.
'We absorbed the pressure well and throughout the 90 minutes, Indonesia didn't have clear chances, except from long throw-ins.'
While Malaysia lacked a cutting edge in the final third, they demonstrated tactical discipline and defensive composure, especially in how they neutralised the host nation's attacking threats.
One of the standout performers was centreback Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili, who silenced Indonesian strikers Jens Raven and Hokky Caraka with grit and aggression.
What's more important is that he didn't show any fear during the game, which bodes well for his development.
'It was a high-pressure game, and to me, the players responded well,' said Nafuzi.
'This is an age-group competition, and some players are still gaining international experience, we surely need to plan better.
'Now, the players know what it takes to compete at this level and I hope it will help them mature and show growth in the game before the AFC Under-23 qualifiers.'
With the AFF campaign now behind them, Nafuzi and his squad will turn their focus to the AFC U-23 qualifiers – where Malaysia will face stronger opponents and a higher level of intensity.
'It's now about learning from the defeat and stepping up when it matters most.'