Latest news with #AseanUnder-23Championship
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Young Tigers hope to make amends
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia seek redemption at the Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers in Bangkok next month. To do so, which means qualify for the final round in Saudi Arabia, Young Tigers need to top Group F against Lebanon, Mongolia and hosts Thailand, or finish among the top four ranked runners-up among 11 groups. The team, led by Nafuzi Zain, were left to lick their wounds following a disappointing early exit from last month's Asean Under-23 Championship in Indonesia. Defender Ahmad Aysar Hadi Shapri believes the coaches can rectify the team's weaknesses in the friendly matches against Kuwait and Oman in Bangkok during their centralised camp from Aug 18-Aug 31. "Our target is to qualify for Saudi Arabia, that is our goal. We want to make up for our failure in Jakarta. The coaches know what we need to fix," he said. Malaysia begin their Group F campaign against Lebanon on Sept 3, followed by Mongolia (Sept 6) and Thailand (Sept 9). "All three matches will be tough because every team are targeting qualification," said Ahmad. Malaysia failed to progress past the group stage of the Under-23 Asian Cup in 2022, Uzbekistan, and 2024, Qatar. Malaysia's best performance was in 2018 in China, where the team reached the quarter-finals before losing 2-1 to South Korea.
The Star
27-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Defending champions Vietnam to face host Indonesia in Asean U-23 football final
HANOI (Vietnam News/ANN): The Vietnamese Under-23 team is back in the final will meet host Indonesia for the 2025 Asean Under-23 Championship title. The match is scheduled for 8pm on Tuesday (July 29) at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia. Indonesia triumphed over Thailand 7-6 in a penalty shootout after the teams drew 1-1 during regulation time in the semi-finals on Friday evening. This match was a true test of strategy and endurance, showcasing host Indonesia's modern football identity characterised by high pressing, speed, and energy. Meanwhile, defending champions Vietnam secured a 2-1 victory against the Philippines in the other semi-final. This match highlighted the Vietnamese team's resilience and their ability to adapt effectively under coach Kim Sang-sik. In terms of strength, Indonesia are considered on par with Vietnam. The encounter promises to be an exciting encounter, as both teams exhibit aggressive, fast-paced play and are in excellent form. Indonesia are also noted for their physical fitness and pressing ability, while Vietnam have demonstrated effectiveness in organisation. Vietnam has won the Asean U-23 Championship twice in a row in 2022 and 2023 and is now aiming for a hat-trick of titles if they defeat Indonesia in the upcoming final. With the advantage of playing at home, Indonesia is, however, determined to overcome Vietnam and claim the championship. - Vietnam News/ANN
New Straits Times
12-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Ubaidullah, Haqimi touted as the ones to watch
KUALA LUMPUR: The Asean Football Federation (AFF) has named centre-back Ubaidullah Shamsul and striker Haqimi Azim Rosli as Malaysia's players to watch at the Asean Under-23 Championship from July 15-29 in Jakarta. Terengganu's Ubaidullah played every minute of the AFF Under-23 Championship two years ago, and also gave a strong showing in last season's Asean Club Championship (ACC). Ubaidullah has impressed with his tackling, positioning and ability to break lines with sharp passes from the back. Though Haqimi was not part of the Under-23 squad in 2023, the KL City striker has earned senior national call-ups and featured in the last two Asean Championships. He also played all five matches for KL City in the ACC, scoring the winner against Kaya FC-Iloilo of the Philippines. Malaysia are drawn in Group A alongside Indonesia, the Philippines and Brunei in the Asean Under-23 Championship.
New Straits Times
25-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Young Tigers target last four in Asean Under-23 Championship
PETALING JAYA: National youth coach Nafuzi Zain has set a semi-final target for the Asean Under-23 Championship in Jakarta from July 15-29. The Young Tigers kick off their Group A campaign against the Philippines on July 15, before facing Brunei (July 18) and hosts Indonesia (July 21). It is Nafuzi's first international assignment with the squad, and he's hoping to guide them into the last four. However, the former Kedah boss is taking a more grounded approach, focusing on each match, starting with the Philippines. "Of course, the atmosphere is different when managing a national squad," he said after announcing his 30-member training squad at Wisma FAM on Wednesday. "I was informed early on that the approach here is not the same as at club level. "The match against the Philippines is crucial, and a good start will build momentum. After that, we shift focus to Brunei, and then face Indonesia, which will be our toughest test." Nafuzi said reaching the semi-finals would be a key step in building confidence and consistency among his young charges. "Our aim is, of course, to reach the final, but right now, the priority is to get into the top four." The squad include 12 players from Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and eight from Selangor, with several names already capped at senior level, including Ubaidullah Syamsul Fazili, Fergus Tierney and Haqimi Azim Rosli. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals on July 25. The third-place playoff and final will be held on July 29. Malaysia's best finishes in the tournament were fourth place in the 2005 and 2023 editions, both in Thailand.
