PETALING JAYA: As Malaysia begin their final phase of preparation for the crucial 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifying clash against Vietnam on June 10, midfielder Nooa Laine and defender Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar are embracing the intensity of national duty with confidence, pride, and focus.
The Harimau Malaya reconvened on Sunday under head coach Peter Cklamovski for a centralised training camp, with two friendlies against Cape Verde on May 29 and a closed-door match on June 3 serving as tune-ups ahead of their must-win Group F encounter at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
The squad are currently in Johor Baru to train for seven days, before they return to Kuala Lumpur for the rest of the camp.
For Finnish-born Noaa, every call-up is a reminder of his growing role in the national team.
“It is always nice to get a call-up. I feel proud and happy to be selected again,” said the 22-year-old Selangor midfielder.
Training in top-class facilities at the Padang Sri Gelam in Johor, Nooa added, has been a bonus as the players look to sharpen their form.
“As a football player, you always want the best conditions. We are happy to be here. It’s up to us to prepare well.”
Meanwhile, his club teammate and centreback Harith, who continues to grow into his role in the senior squad, echoed a similar sentiment of readiness and resilience.
“Obviously it’s hard - we all know the situation when it comes to off-season. But all the players have come in fit and are prepared to play our roles well,” said Harith.
The 22-year-old, who has made strides at the domestic and international levels, isn’t overly concerned with the squad size or who makes the final list.
“Every day I’m just going to train and prove myself to the coach. I’m not going to think about how many players are selected. I just want to perform.”
Malaysia’s first friendly opponent, Cape Verde, currently ranked No.72 in the world, promises to be a tough test but Harith believes the backroom staff will be key to navigating the challenge.
“Cape Verde are ranked high, but our coaching staff will do their best. We will raise our game, and hopefully give a strong performance.”
Cklamovski will be assessing his players closely during these friendlies as he finalises his squad for the pivotal showdown against Vietnam, which could be decisive in Malaysia’s aim to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.
With competition high, preparation thorough, and belief strong within the squad, the Harimau Malaya are intent on using this camp to align mentally and tactically ahead of their biggest challenge yet.
