Reliable skipper: Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi is expected to captain Harimau Muda in the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup from April 15-May 3. — FAM
PETALING JAYA: The national Under-23 boys will have to pedal to the metal in their quest to be part of the senior squad.
It is never going to be easy for the 10 boys picked as it is learnt that only one or two of them would be selected for the World Cup 2026-Asian Cup 2027 second-round qualifiers against Oman.
Malaysia will play the team led by former Czech Republic coach Jaroslav Silhavy, who are currently in second place in Group D, on March 21 in Muscat and on March 26 at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
Malaysia are top of the group with six points.
One of the hopefuls, midfielder Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi admitted it was the best time to truly shine for Harimau Malaya.
“I’ll turn 23 this year, and I feel this is my time to show that I can be part of the senior squad,” said the 22-year-old Selangor player.
“I have played for the national team 12 times but people still see me as a key player for the Under-23 squad.
“I want to challenge myself this year and take up the opportunity to make a bigger impact in coach Kim Pan-gon’s squad.
“Just like any other player, I want to go to Muscat. I have been with this team since March 8, and I have shown my best to the coaching staff during training sessions.
“I want to play in the qualifiers and then head to Qatar for the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup with lots of confidence.”
Mukhairi is expected to captain Harimau Muda in the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup from April 15-May 3.
Malaysia are in Group D with Vietnam, Uzbekistan and Kuwait.
He admitted that training in the national team has been different as they had to go through rigorous practice to ensure they were fully fit against the world No. 80 Oman.
And none of the players can take their feet off the pedal during training sessions as a drone is used to monitor them doing the drills.
Coach Pan-gon has been vocal and demanding every player to be on their toes.
“It is different. The intensity is higher but this is the only way to close the gap with the top Asian nations.”
