Latest news with #AFFU-23Championship2025

Barnama
2 days ago
- Sport
- Barnama
AFF U-23: Early Nerves Cost Malaysia Against Philippines
By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar JAKARTA, July 15 (Bernama) -- National U-23 head coach Nafuzi Zain admitted that defensive frailties were the main reason behind the 0-2 defeat to the Philippines in their Group A opener of the AFF U-23 Championship 2025 at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium here tonight. Although disappointed with the result, Nafuzi praised his players' fighting spirit, noting that most of them were still young and lacked experience at the international level. bootstrap slideshow 'Overall, our defence showed some lapses and nervousness at the beginning of the match, which allowed the Philippines to score. 'We tried to fight back and went all out to secure a draw, but once we were trailing, it became more difficult,' he said after the match. According to Nafuzi, most of the players were aged between 19 and 21, and the match served as a valuable opportunity for them to gain experience and maturity. Regarding the injury status of key players Alif Izzuan and Muhammad Haqimi Azim Rosli, Nafuzi said they were still awaiting a detailed report from the medical team. He also expressed hope that Malaysian fans would be able to attend and support the team should they progress to the next round, especially if they faced hosts Indonesia. 'Fan support is important. Even though they're not here, I know the team still has support from Malaysia.

Barnama
2 days ago
- Sport
- Barnama
Malaysia Fall 0-2 To Philippines In AFF U-23 Opener
JAKARTA, July 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's under-23 (U-23) football team began their AFF U-23 Championship 2025 campaign on the wrong foot after falling 0-2 to the Philippines at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium here on Tuesday, despite dominating most of the match. The national youth squad controlled the tempo from the start, launching several attacks and attempts on goal, including a strike that hit the crossbar. However, a lack of finishing touch proved costly as several chances went begging, while the Philippines goalkeeper put on an impressive display to deny a string of dangerous efforts.