Latest news with #AFF)Under-23Championship
The Star
15-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Malaysia suffer shock 0-2 loss to Philippines in AFF under-23 opener
PETALING JAYA: Harimau Muda led by coach Nafuzi Zain has suffered a shock 2-0 loss to the Philippines in their opening match at the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Under-23 Championship at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Tuesday (July 15). Filipino striker Otu Abang Banatao, only 18, was the hero for the winning side when he scored a brace in the 13th and 42nd minutes. Malaysia, however, had the lion's share of possession at 72% with 21 chances created but were not clinical enough in front of their opponents' goal. To stand any chance of a strong showing in the competition, Malaysia must now beat Brunei on July 18 and hosts Indonesia on July 21 – both at the same venue.
The Star
13-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Chasing AFF glory
Mission begins: National Under-23 team leaving for Jakarta yesterday. — Bernama PETALING JAYA: A taste of football abroad has given youngster Mohamad Abu Khalil the edge he needs and now he is ready to help Malaysia chase glory at the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Under-23 Championship in Indonesia starting tomorrow. The 20-year-old midfielder, who had stints with Japan's third division club FC Osaka and Thai League 1's Nakhon Pathom United last year, said the experience has been vital to elevating his game. 'My time spent in Japan and Thailand has been beneficial for me as it has matured my style of play. 'We want to win the title, that is our target,' he said before the team departed for Jakarta yesterday. Drawn in Group A, Malaysia will start their campaign against the Philippines on Tuesday, before taking on Brunei on July 18 and hosts Indonesia on July 21. Group B has Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, while Group C consists of Thailand, Myanmar, and Timor-Leste. Mohamad Abu Khalil Mohamad knows the first match against the Philippines will be important to set the tone within the team, but is confident the squad's chemistry will see them perform well. 'The players know each other well, as many come from the JDT Academy and AMD (Akademi Mokhtar Dahari), so now we are united again. 'The team have been working well together and knows what the coach wants from the team,' he said. Meanwhile, head coach Nafuzi Zain also emphasised that the opening fixture against the Philippines is the top priority. 'Even with a win, it won't guarantee anything, but it would help us get closer to our goal,' said Nafuzi. 'The players are in good physical condition, but their mental strength is also important. This is a real test for the team because expectations are high.' The squad have a target of reaching the semi-finals, as the top two teams of each group will advance to the knockout stage. He had set the semi-finals as a minimum target for the team, and knows the clash against Indonesia will be the toughest hurdle. Malaysia's best finish is a fourth placing at the last edition in 2023 Thailand.
The Star
02-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Nafuzi will pick first XI based on performance, not reputation
SUBANG JAYA: National coach Nafuzi Zain is leaving no room for favouritism as Malaysia gear up for the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Under-23 Championship in Indonesia from July 15-29. Despite having a handful of players with senior team experience in his 30-man squad, Nafuzi has made it clear – reputation means nothing without performance. 'There is a small group who've trained or played with Harimau Malaya, but every player will be assessed equally,' said Nafuzi. Nafuzi, who has coached Terengganu and Kedah in the local league, took over as the national Under-23 coach this year. 'I will select the best based on what they show in training and friendlies, nothing is guaranteed.' Menacing: Haqimi Azim Rosli (left) is one of the high profile strikers in the 30-man squad for the AFF Under-23 Championship. Among the more high-profile names in the squad are strikers Haqimi Azim Rosli, Fergus Tierney; defender Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili; midfielders Alif Ahmad, Mohamad Abu Khalil; winger Alif Izwan Yuslan; and creative playmaker Haykal Danish Haizon, all of whom have featured in senior team set-ups. Still, Nafuzi insists it's performance that counts. 'This is a fresh start for everyone. I have also brought in young talents and some familiar faces from past Under-23 squads. What matters is who can elevate our game not past appearances or name value.' The team are currently in centralised camp and will play three friendly matches against Police (July 5), Melaka (July 8), and Negri Sembilan (July 11) before departing for Jakarta on July 12. While the tournament is yet to begin, the hype has already kicked off, particularly from Indonesia's vocal fanbase and media. Nafuzi, however, is keeping his squad laser-focused on what matters most, football. 'We have seen the provocations, but we won't be drawn into that. Our focus is on ourselves. I expect a great game, a great atmosphere, especially when we face Indonesia, but we'll do our talking on the pitch.' His message to the players is simple – stay grounded and take it one game at a time. 'We want to reach the final, of course. But for now, the focus is our opening match against the Philippines. Start strong, build momentum, that's our goal.' With all 30 players having reported for camp, Nafuzi is using this critical preparation window not just to drill his tactical philosophy, but also to understand his squad's chemistry. 'This is the first time this group is assembling for a tournament, so this camp is important. They need to adapt to our style, and I need to observe how they respond, on and off the field,' he said. Malaysia's Group A campaign begins against the Philippines on July 15, followed by matches against Brunei (July 18) and hosts Indonesia (July 21) at the iconic Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, where passion, pressure, and pride will collide.
