Putting Asean on summit
Composed show: Asean All-Stars' Nguyen Hai Long (second from right) trying to dribble the ball past three Manchester United players during the Maybank Challenge Cup match. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: For Asean All-Stars coach Kim Sang-sik, it was a night of immense pride and satisfaction as his hastily assembled side pulled off a famous win against one of the biggest clubs in the world.
The Asean All-Stars defeated English giants Manchester United 1-0 to win the Maybank Challenge Cup at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Wednesday.
Myanmar captain and winger Maung Maung Lwin was the hero, scoring in the 70th minute.
'To play against one of the best clubs in the world - it was a great match, a great performance,' said the South Korean, who coaches the Vietnam national team.
'We only trained for two days, but they played together like they knew each other for 20 years. It was organised and polished.
'We are grateful for this opportunity.'
Sang-sik praised his players' ability to rise to the occasion despite the odds, especially in the face of physical challenges and humid conditions.
He singled out Vietnamese midfielder Nguyen Hai Long, who only joined the squad a day before the match but put in a composed display.
'Hai Long played well. He's done well for Vietnam, and I hope Amorim watched him and is interested in the player,' joked Sang-sik.
The game also saw Malaysian playmaker Sergio Aguero –brought in as a captain – lead the All-Stars with composure, adding a touch of experience and flair in midfield.
'To beat Manchester United is a special moment for me and a meaningful one. I can spend a good time with the Asean All-Stars and celebrate together as a team,' said Sang-sik.
'Plus I have followed Manchester for a long time especially when Park Ji-sung was there and also the great presence of Sir Alex Ferguson.'
He also turned his attention to the upcoming challenge against Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifiers at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on June 10, promising a stronger performance.
'Next month, there'll be a sea of yellow. Our team will prepare well against Malaysia and want to be ready for this game.'
With belief, spirit, and a dose of organisation, the Asean All-Stars gave Ruben Amorim and United plenty to ponder and sent a signal that South-East Asian football is ready to test itself more regularly on the global stage.
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