Latest news with #AsiaWarriors
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Selangor coach tells players 'to run, not walk'
KUALA LUMPUR: It was a football match that left Selangor coach Katsuhito Kinoshi telling his players not to walk, but run. There was little action and no goals to see as Selangor and Asia Warriors, led by Japanese legend Keisuke Honda, settled for a zero-zero draw in a friendly at the MBPJ Stadium on Sunday. "The result was not good enough. I'm not happy. I'm completely not happy," said Japanese Kinoshi who was visibly frustrated at Selangor's lack of tempo and intensity. "We must improve our attack and show determination. Don't walk, run more, penetrate more," he added. Though there wasn't a single goal to see, for Kinoshi the match is less about the scoreline and more about building a cohesive team for the new M-League season. Kinoshi tested nearly every Selangor player available, from the newly signed Zach Clough to regulars like Alvin Fortes. The Red Giants dominated territory, but lacked sharpness in the final third agianst the Asia Warriors, a team filled with retired internationals. Honda, 39, who had played for AC Milan, said: "It was a difficult game for us, but Selangor have younger and better quality players. "Still, we defended well, didn't give them space or time, and kept the score at 0-0. That was the plan."
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Red Giants battle Asia Warriors to stalemate
PETALING JAYA: Selangor drew 0-0 against the Asia Warriors, led by Japanese legend, Keisuke Honda, in a friendly match at MBPJ Stadium today. The match also served as the unveiling of Selangor's 2025-2026 M-League squad. Among the fresh faces in the Red Giants' lineup were Willian Lira, Moses Raj, Picha Autra, Chrigor Moraes and Zach Clough. In the ninth minute, Selangor captain Faisal Halim nearly created a goal with a pinpoint cross to Lira who forced a save from Asia Warriors' veteran goalkeeper Made Wirawan. The 44-year-old Wirawan suffered a knee injury in the 12th minute, and was replaced by Yoo Jaehoon. Selangor's best chance came in the 55th minute when Sharul Nazeem Zulpakar, who replaced Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar at halftime, spun and unleashed a low shot, only to be denied by Yoo. Asia Warriors suffered another blow late in the game when Daisuke Sato was stretchered off in the 78th minute.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Kinoshi won't reveal much to inquisitive Honda
KUALA LUMPUR: Japan football legend and co-founder of Asia Warriors FC, Keisuke Honda, thought he could get some info from his countryman, Selangor head coach Katsuhito Kinoshi, ahead of tomorrow's match at the MBPJ Stadium. But Kinoshi remained tight lipped, as Honda jokingly tried to persuade reporters to ask Kinoshi about his plans during a pre-match press conference at the Selangor FC training centre today. Selangor will use their friendly match against Asia Warriors as part of their preparations for the 2025-2026 M-League. "I asked Kinoshi to share information, but he didn't want to share, so it means that he is gunning for a win against us. "It's going to be a challenging game. I'm looking forward to playing against Selangor," said Honda. Honda said Asia Warriors aim to beat Selangor 1-0, but should the hosts score, they will have to double the score. "I think it's not easy for us to score two goals against Selangor, but that's our game plan, we don't hide any tactics." Kinoshi said that his Selangor team have had a good preseason and, without giving too much away about his squad, said that the Red Giants will have another friendly match after playing the Asia Warriors. Selangor star Faisal Halim, who also joined the pre-match press conference, said: "This is the year I will bounce back and regain my form. This is the time for me to come out with the Faisal Halim (everyone grew to know and love)."
New Straits Times
15-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Honda and his Asian legends to take on Selangor
KUALA LUMPUR: The Asia Warriors, a team helmed by Japanese football legend and former AC Milan star Keisuke Honda, will play Selangor in a friendly match at MBPJ Stadium on July 27. For Selangor, the match against Honda's team, made up of some of Asia's finest former internationals, will be part of their preparation for the new M-League season. Among the notable names in the Asia Warriors line-up will be Indra Putra Mahayuddin, Razman Roslan and Baihakki Khaizan. Razman said: "Selangor are no pushovers, they are formidable with their new imports and local stars. "They call us legends, and I accept that with pride, but it's a title that comes with responsibility. We must show the next generation how we carry ourselves." Midfielder Honda said the match against Selangor will be physically demanding, but he won't be holding back. "I want to win, and I want to show my seriousness. I won't enjoy it without victory," he said. Ahead of the Malaysia stop. the Asia Warriors will play a match against Persik Kediri in Indonesia, where they will also held football clinics and community events. Their tour, themed Unity Beyond Borders, will also see Honda and company having a Social Night event on July 25 and a youth clinic at Selangor's training ground on July 26.
