PETALING JAYA: The locals can rise when the chips are down.
Former national defender Razman Roslan believes local talents can step up in the absence of seven suspended mixed-heritage players in the Asian Cup 2027 third-round qualifiers.
Malaysia will face Laos at the New Laos National Stadium on Thursday, before hosting the return leg at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Oct 14.
The 41-year-old Razman, a member of the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup-winning squad, said the FIFA sanction on Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and the seven should not distract the current crop from their mission against Laos.
“I’m sure the team will feel the absence of the seven suspended players, but looking at the superb form of our local boys, we can do well,” said Razman, who is also a football pundit.
Malaysia will be without Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, Hector Hevel, Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces and Rodrigo Holgado.
Razman said Johor Darul Ta’zim’s Arif Aiman Hanapi; Kuching City’s Jordan Mintah and Ramadhan Saifullah; and Selangor’s Faisal Halim could roar loud for Harimau Malaya.
“We know Arif’s quality and his consistency. Jordan, who scored against Sabah, has the chance to win his first cap. His teammate Ramadhan is also one of the wingers to watch.”
Among the local standouts is Faisal, whose return to top form after last year’s acid attack has inspired fans across the country.
In his last three matches in all competitions, he has scored three goals and made two assists – including one goal and one assist in Selangor’s 3-1 win over Immigration.
“The form of Mickey is showing right now and I’m sure Malaysia fans have been waiting for that,” said Razman.
“We know how good he was before the acid attack, especially during the Asian Cup in Qatar.
“I’m so happy to see him back to his usual self and can’t wait to see his combination with Arif.”
Faisal has recorded five goals and four assists in 12 matches this season, while Arif continues to shine with seven goals and nine assists from 11 games.
Ramadhan has also contributed four goals and four assists for Kuching City.
On the suspension saga, Razman urged players to focus solely on their performance.
“The boys are professionals,” he said.
“Off the field, let FAM handle the issue. Players should not think about it. Just focus on winning.
“We’ve got quality, spirit, and players proving themselves every week.
“If they carry that same energy into the Laos games, Malaysia will be just fine.”
