Keeper Izhan rues good buddie Azam’s absence on plane to Doha

Time to get working: Goalkeeper Sikh Izhan Nazrel Sikh Azman is fighting hard for a first-eleven spot. — Penang FC

PETALING JAYA: Sikh Izhan Nazrel Sikh Azman is missing his best mate Azam Azmi Murad.

The national Under-23 squad will have to make do without righback Azam in the AFC Asian Cup from April 15-May 3 in Doha after the talented defender had to be stretchered out with a suspected knee injury during the World Cup 2026-Asian Cup 2027 second-round qualifiers game against Oman at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil last week.