Latest news with #AseanCup
The Star
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
AFF sign up Hyundai as their new title sponsor
The AFF Cup will now be known as the Asean Hyundai Cup following the announcement of new title sponsor Hyundai Motor. Credit - SPORTFIVE PETALING JAYA: The Asean Football Federation (AFF) have announced a new title sponsor to Southeast Asia's premier football competition as they introduce the Asean Hyundai Cup (AFF Cup). "We are honoured to welcome Hyundai, a global leader in mobility and innovation and a steadfast supporter of football as the title partner of the Asean Cup," said AFF president Khiev Sameth. "Hyundai's legacy of excellence and its unwavering commitment to the global football community align perfectly with AFF's mission to drive the growth and development of football across Southeast Asia. "It embodies the highest aspirations of our region's players, fans and nations," he said. President of Hyundai Motor Asia Pacific, Sunny Kim, said football is a platform that unites and empowers communities. "With over 26 years of global partnerships, we see Asean as a region where football's spirit thrives. This sponsorship aligns with our vision of 'Progress for Humanity' by supporting education, inclusion, and sustainable growth," he said. They will also be the sponsor for three other major tournaments, namely the Asean Club Championship, Asean Women's Championship, and Asean U-23 Championship. With the most recent edition of the AFF Cup ending in January with Vietnam taking their third title, the next edition will be taking place in 2026. Malaysia have only won the tournament once in 2010, while Thailand have the most titles at seven (1996, 2000, 2002, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2022).
New Straits Times
23-04-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Harimau Malaya's Asian Cup hopes tested by off-season lull
KUALA LUMPUR: National coach Peter Cklamovski admits the M-League's off-season break poses a challenge as Harimau Malaya prepare to face Vietnam in their Asian Cup Group F qualifier this June. Malaysia, under former coach Kim Pan Gon, headed into the 2024 Asian Cup during a league break and returned from Qatar without a single win. Now, Cklamovski is determined to avoid a repeat, revealing he is planning at least one or two friendly matches to get his players back into competitive rhythm ahead of the June 10 showdown at Bukit Jalil against the world No. 109 side. The off-season begins after the Malaysia Cup final on Saturday, meaning national players will be out of competitive action for more than a month before the qualifier. The Australian, however, is confident Malaysia can spring a surprise against Asean Cup holders Vietnam — despite a dismal head-to-head record which has seen Malaysia lose their last five meetings against their regional rivals. "We will carry out meticulous preparations to face Vietnam," said Cklamovski at the FA of Malaysia's (FAM) Hari Raya open house in Kelana Jaya today (April 23). "This time, it's slightly more challenging because the league season will have ended and the players are in recovery mode after a long campaign. "It's a difficult match, but not impossible. We'll give our all. We definitely need one or two friendlies to help the players find their rhythm before the Vietnam clash. "We'll announce the details of those matches soon." Both Malaysia and Vietnam currently have three points in Group F, with Vietnam at the top on goal difference. World No. 131 Malaysia got off to a solid start with a 2-0 win over Nepal on March 25, while Vietnam made a statement by thrashing Laos 5-0. Only the group winners will advance to the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.
New Straits Times
21-04-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Harimau Malaya return to Bukit Jalil for crunch Vietnam clash
KUALA LUMPUR: Harimau Malaya will return to the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil for their Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam on June 10, in what is expected to be a blockbuster showdown. The national team opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over Nepal on March 25, a match played at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri. Harimau Malaya chief executive officer Rob Friend believes the return to Bukit Jalil will offer more than just home advantage - it's a moment to rally the nation. "We're excited to welcome Vietnam to Bukit Jalil on June 10 for what promises to be a thrilling encounter," said Friend. "This is more than just a qualifier. It's a moment for Malaysians to unite behind Harimau Malaya and show the strength of our national spirit. "We are building something special, so we're excited to see our fans at Bukit Jalil and make it a night to remember." With a capacity of over 80,000, the National Stadium is expected to provide the electric atmosphere Malaysia need to overcome one of Southeast Asia's strongest teams. Vietnam, who thrashed Laos 5-0 in their opener, lead Group C on goal difference, with Malaysia also on three points. The last time world No. 131 Malaysia played at the iconic Bukit Jalil venue was in last year's Asean Cup, where they were held to a goalless draw by Singapore in front of more than 31,000 fans.
