PETALING JAYA: National Under-23 team defender Ahmad Zikri Khalili is worried the lack of match fitness will jeopardise the team’s chances to make an impact in the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup in Qatar.
Malaysia will take on India in two friendly matches today and and on Monday in Kuala Lumpur in addition to China and Qatar in Doha later.
The Under-23 Asian Cup will open on April 15 with Malaysia taking on Uzbekistan in their opening Group D campaign two days later.
Malaysia will then play Vietnam on April 20 and followed by Kuwait on April 23.
But with the domestic Super League only starting in May, there is the question of whether the players in the Harimau Muda squad can get up to full speed in Doha.
Ahmad said all the players were in good condition as they had been training during the month of Ramadan.
“I think all the players are getting better with training after several days of Ramadan fasting.
“Our only concern is the fitness level. We are trying to improve the intensity in training. The league is on a long break and we are trying to adapt to Ramadan.
“As for myself, I trained with the national senior squad, so there is no problem for me, but I think some of my other teammates in the Under-23 squad are not at the same level of fitness,” said the 22-year-old.
Ahmad explained that he was lucky to have a chance to train with the senior squad under Kim Pan-gon.
“There is a difference between the senior and the Under-23 squad as both are playing at different level but there is no problem adjusting to training under our Under-23 coach (Juan Torres) Garrido.”
The Under-23 Asian Cup carries significance to Malaysia as it is an Asian qualifying tournament for the Paris Olympics. The top three finishers in Doha will qualify on merit to the Paris Olympics.
Another slot for Asia will be determined through a play-off against African nation Guinea.
