Latest news with #NafuziBall
New Straits Times
16-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
No excuses: U-23 loss exposes cracks in Malaysia's 'football revolution'
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia had no business losing to the Philippines at the Under-23 Asean Championship, especially with the country in the midst of a self-declared football revolution. On Tuesday, Nafuzi Zain's side were expected to steamroll the Philippines in their Group A opener, but instead slumped to a shocking 2-0 defeat in Jakarta, with 18-year-old Otu Bisong netting both goals. The Young Tigers dominated with 70 per cent possession, but their poor shot accuracy — just 23 per cent compared to the Philippines' 43 — proved costly. Despite fielding nine players from the squad that won the Under-19 Asean Championship three years ago in Indonesia, Malaysia looked stagnant. Their three warm-up matches before flying to Jakarta appeared insufficient. Football critic Dr Zulakbal Abdul Karim didn't hold back in his assessment, saying the team looked unprepared. "They were slow to settle and seemed nervous, conceding early and late in the first half," said Zulakbal. "We had chances but couldn't convert them — that shows the preparation wasn't good enough. "The Philippines, under no pressure, played simple football and got the win. "When our senior team beat Vietnam 4-0 (in last month's Asian Cup qualifier), it gave a huge lift to Malaysian football. But confidence without proper preparation is dangerous. "We're seeing so-called weaker teams like Cambodia, Laos and the Philippines improving. The gap is narrowing." Zulakbal said Malaysia must quickly move past the defeat, as their mental strength will be tested in Friday's match against Brunei and Monday's clash with hosts Indonesia. Coach Nafuzi. whose "Nafuzi Ball" brand of play once brought excitement to the Super League with Terengganu and Kedah, must now dig deep tactically to lift the squad. "It's now a do-or-die mission for the U-23 side. The players must respond positively. A good coach lifts morale and finds solutions," said Zulakbal.
New Straits Times
12-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Young Tigers to unleash 'Nafuzi Ball' at Asean Championship
KUALA LUMPUR: National youth coach Nafuzi Zain is banking on his trademark attacking style, dubbed "Nafuzi Ball", to inspire his Under-23 squad at the Asean Championship in Jakarta on July 15-28. The 47-year-old, renowned for transforming Terengganu into one of the Super League's most exciting sides from 2019 to 2022, is now aiming to apply the same philosophy on the international stage. With three warm-up matches completed — two wins (1-0 against Police and 4-1 against Melaka FC) and one defeat (1-0 to Negri Sembilan) — Nafuzi says performance, not results, remains his focus. "We're still in a building phase. It's not about results but how we play," he said. "There's been day-by-day improvement, especially in the players' ability to execute my style. I'm happy with their commitment." "Nafuzi Ball" — characterised by fluid passing, aggressive pressing and attacking intelligence — powered Terengganu to back-to-back Malaysia Cup semi-finals and a Super League runners-up finish in 2021, often outclassing richer clubs. The style followed him to Kedah Darul Aman in 2023, where he helped stabilise performances and again implemented his tactical identity. Now at the helm of the national Under-23 side, Nafuzi is introducing the same principles, albeit with tweaks. "This is my philosophy, my style. But of course, adjustments are needed — these are young players and we've had limited time," he said. "They're responding well and absorbing the ideas. That's the essence of 'Nafuzi Ball' — understanding and expressing our identity on the pitch." For Malaysia's Group A opener against the Philippines on July 15, Nafuzi hinted his first XI is taking shape following tactical experimentation in the friendlies. Trainees Fakrul Haikal and G. Pavitran are sidelined with injuries, but the rest of the squad are fit, and more importantly, eager. "Our most recent friendly ended without injuries, and that's crucial. We're managing their load and balancing fitness with preparation," he added. The Young Tigers are already drawing attention, with captain Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili and forward Haqimi Azim Rosli listed by tournament organisers as "players to watch". "They've both played in the Super League and been called up to the senior national team — that experience gives them an edge," said Nafuzi. Leadership duties will likely fall to Ubaidullah or midfielder Aysar Hadi Shapri, but the coach is keeping his options open. "They've shown leadership before and naturally stand out, but I'm also watching to see who steps up under pressure," he said. This will be Nafuzi's first international outing with the national youth side. The other teams in Group A are hosts Indonesia and Brunei. Only the group winners and the best runner-up from three groups will reach the semi-finals. The team will depart for Jakarta on Sunday.
