Latest news with #Sang-sik
The Star
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Putting Asean on summit
Composed show: Asean All-Stars' Nguyen Hai Long (second from right) trying to dribble the ball past three Manchester United players during the Maybank Challenge Cup match. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: For Asean All-Stars coach Kim Sang-sik, it was a night of immense pride and satisfaction as his hastily assembled side pulled off a famous win against one of the biggest clubs in the world. The Asean All-Stars defeated English giants Manchester United 1-0 to win the Maybank Challenge Cup at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Wednesday. Myanmar captain and winger Maung Maung Lwin was the hero, scoring in the 70th minute. 'To play against one of the best clubs in the world - it was a great match, a great performance,' said the South Korean, who coaches the Vietnam national team. 'We only trained for two days, but they played together like they knew each other for 20 years. It was organised and polished. 'We are grateful for this opportunity.' Sang-sik praised his players' ability to rise to the occasion despite the odds, especially in the face of physical challenges and humid conditions. He singled out Vietnamese midfielder Nguyen Hai Long, who only joined the squad a day before the match but put in a composed display. 'Hai Long played well. He's done well for Vietnam, and I hope Amorim watched him and is interested in the player,' joked Sang-sik. The game also saw Malaysian playmaker Sergio Aguero –brought in as a captain – lead the All-Stars with composure, adding a touch of experience and flair in midfield. 'To beat Manchester United is a special moment for me and a meaningful one. I can spend a good time with the Asean All-Stars and celebrate together as a team,' said Sang-sik. 'Plus I have followed Manchester for a long time especially when Park Ji-sung was there and also the great presence of Sir Alex Ferguson.' He also turned his attention to the upcoming challenge against Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifiers at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on June 10, promising a stronger performance. 'Next month, there'll be a sea of yellow. Our team will prepare well against Malaysia and want to be ready for this game.' With belief, spirit, and a dose of organisation, the Asean All-Stars gave Ruben Amorim and United plenty to ponder and sent a signal that South-East Asian football is ready to test itself more regularly on the global stage.
The Star
27-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Asean All-Stars ready to battle United despite limited preparation
KUALA LUMPUR: The Asean All-Stars are eyeing an upset when they take on English giants Manchester United in the Maybank Challenge Cup match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil here. Asean All-Stars head coach Kim Sang-sik admitted that time constraints posed the biggest challenge in building team chemistry, as the squad have only had one training session together. However, Sang-sik, who is also the Vietnam national team head coach, said all players continued to show strong commitment ahead of the clash. "We are all from different nations across Asean countries. All the players are in good condition. We are working hard. "We've only had one training session so far, but they are very serious. They want to win this game. They want to work hard. So we are going to prepare well and try to have a good match," he told a press conference ahead of the match. The Asean All-Stars squad will feature a mix of experienced and young players, including local representatives such as Muhammad Azam Azmi Murad, Muhammad Adib Abdul Raop, Muhammad Haziq Nadzli, Declan Lambert and Harimau Malaya naturalised striker Sergio Aguero. Also strengthening the squad are several captains from South-East Asian countries, including Mo Kan of Cambodia, Bounphachan Bounkong (Laos) and Vietnam's skipper Do Duy Manh. Meanwhile, Aguero who has been selected captain of the Asean All-Stars, said the team will strive to secure a victory despite United's reputation as one of the world's club giants. "We are proud to have the opportunity to play against such a great team. It's a huge responsibility for us, and of course, we will give our very best," said the Pahang striker. The last time the Red Devils played in Malaysia was during the 2009 pre-season tour, beating Malaysia XI twice, 3-2 and 2-0, respectively on July 18 and 20 at the National Stadium. The 13-time Premier League champions, who endured a dismal season by their lofty standards, finishing the season in 15th spot with 42 points, are also scheduled to travel to Hong Kong as part of their post-season tour. They will play against the Hong Kong national team at the Hong Kong Stadium on May 30. - Bernama
