PETALING JAYA: Down and beaten.
This is the morale of the national team after the Asian Football Federation (AFC) overturned their 2-0 win over Nepal and 4-0 victory against Vietnam etched last year in Group F of the Asian Cup qualifying due to forged documents of seven mixed-heritage players.
With one more group game to go against Vietnam in Nam Dinh on March 31, it is a lost cause for Harimau Malaya even if they win.
But Datuk M. Karathu has urged the national team to continue with their fight despite the points deduction and virtually being out of Asian Cup 2027 contention.
Vietnam are now at the top of the group table with 15 points and even if Malaysia win, they would still be three points behind the Golden Dragons.
Karathu, who guided Kelantan to the 2011 Super League title and won the 1990 FA Cup with Perak, has called on the players to chin up.
“The players must take the field for the pride of the nation,” said Karathu,
“While we are missing seven players due to suspension, those available must step up.
“This is an opportunity for the reserves and local players to prove their worth as the result of this match will be a true testament to our squad’s depth and strength.
“If we can beat Vietnam, it will restore pride to the entire team.
“We have a history of success against them - I remember our victories back in 1964 and 1965. We have beaten them before, and we can do it again. We must win this match for the fans.”
And Karathu reminded what a walkover could do.
“Giving up is not an option. We cannot even consider a walkover because FIFA would impose heavy fines.
“We must show our strength.
“A positive result will not only make the fans happy but will also allow the new FAM committee to capitalise on that momentum and build for the future.”
Meanwhile, Karathu has also called for consistent enforcement of rules across both international and domestic football, stressing that accountability ultimately lies with governing bodies.
Karathu said: “AFC have taken action at the international level, but local clubs must also be held to the same standards. The rules must be followed.”
AFC did not take any action against clubs, who fielded the sanctioned mixed-heritage players, during the local league matches.
