Aiman: AFF tourney a chance to make up for SEA Games failure

Trusted marksman: Aiman Afif (centre) has been tasked with getting the goals in Rayong. — Photo by FAM

PETALING JAYA: National Under-23 striker Aiman ​​Afif Afizul sees the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Under-23 Cham-pionship starting in Rayong, Thailand, today as a chance at redemption for the team after their failure to clear the group stage at the Cambodia SEA Games in May.

The Harimau Muda team coached by E. Elavarasan left for Rayong yesterday after completing their centralised training camp with a target to reach the final of the competition.

The Kedah player thus hoped the players picked for the starting line-up will not take the strength of Indonesia lightly in their opening match tomorrow.

One for the album: The national Under-23 football squad posing for a group picture before leaving for Rayong, Thailand, for the AFF Under-23 championship.

Indonesia are also the reigning SEA Games champions but this side have been weakened by the absence of key players Rizky Ridho and Dzaky Asra, who were unable to get clearance from their respective clubs.

The championship will see hosts Thailand, Cambodia, Brunei and Myanmar in Group A while Group C consists of defending champions Vietnam, the Philippines and Laos.

Malaysia are in Group B together with Indonesia and Timor Leste.

Aiman also feels that this tournament is the best opportunity for the selected players to show their ability and be picked for future tournaments.

“The squad this time have a lot of new faces and this is an opportunity for all the players to show their ability for the next tournament,” he said.

“This group is quite difficult even though there are only three teams and I think we have to get points in every game.

“Indonesia are reportedly coming without one or two key players but we cannot look down on them and have to give our best and keep fighting.

“It’s the best chance for us to show we can play good football after missing out at the SEA Games earlier.’’

Aiman ​​is also aware of the target set by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) which is to reach for the final but feels he will not be under pressure to score goals despite being placed as the main striker.

“We aim to reach the final in every tournament. All the players have to do their best for us to reach our target.”

After Indonesia, Malaysia will take on Timor Leste on Aug 22, with the champions of each group and the best second-placed team advancing to the semi-finals.