Sweating it out: National team players at a training session at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya. — FAM
PETALING JAYA: Things do not bode well for the national football team as coach Kim Pan-gon have to deal with injury issues involving key players in the attacking department as they prepare for the remaining two World Cup 2026-Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers against Kyrgyzstan and Taiwan next month.
After having to exclude three key players – Faisal Halim, Arif Aiman Hanapi and Romel Morales – from the call-up list for the centralised training camp, the national squad also had to drop Syafiq Ahmad following a hamstring injury problem.
The situation has been made worse yesterday with Korean Pan-gon revealing that they still need to determine the extent of the injury of another striker Darren Lok, who is also down with a hamstring problem.
Pan-gon admitted that the situation will affect his plans for the two important upcoming matches against Kyrgyzstan at Bishkek (June 6) and Taiwan at Bukit Jalil (June 11).
Malaysia need to win the two remaining matches while hoping for Oman to defeat Kyrgyzstan in Muscat to brighten their chances of making history by qualifying for the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for the first time and securing an early spot in the 2027 Asian Cup.
“This is a difficult situation because we are facing problems in the attack. But we still have players who are able to carry out the responsibilities, so we will look for the most suitable and best players for our composition,” said Pan-gon.
“We will not give up, we will keep looking forward and remain positive to fight in the name of Malaysia.’’
He didn’t hide the fact that the absence of talented players Faisal and Arif was indeed a big loss but insisted that football does not depend on some players alone.
“Of course the presence of these two players will add much depth to our attacking machinery but football is a different sport. We don’t just rely on one or two players.
“We play as a team and find ways to be strong. I believe other players have the same quality but their motivation is higher.
“This will give them the best opportunity now to challenge for a place,” he said.
After four matches played so far, Malaysia are third in Group D with six points (two wins and two losses).
Kyrgyzstan and Taiwan both have nine points (three wins and one loss) but the former lead on goal difference.
