PETALING JAYA: Focus remains high in the Harimau Malaya camp as they prepare to face Laos again, this time on home soil, in their fourth Group F match of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 third-round qualifiers at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow.
The national team returned to Malaysia on Friday following their 3-0 win over Laos in Vientiane and have since concentrated solely on training and recovery, keeping out the noise surrounding recent off-field issues.
Despite the ongoing chatter about the FIFA suspension involving seven mixed-heritage players, head coach Peter Cklamovski and his men are keeping their eyes firmly on the mission ahead.
“No distractions — just the mission. Boys are back on the pitch!” read a short post from the national team’s social media page.
Cklamovski is expected to share more insights during the pre-match press conference scheduled today.
The scorers during the game against Laos were Arif Aiman Hanapi (52nd minute), captain Dion Cools (68th), and Faisal Halim (95th).
While Malaysia dominated the game, they were left to rue several missed opportunities - particularly from striker Romel Morales, who squandered at least four clear chances.
The 28-year-old Colombian-born forward will be eager to find the net if given another start, as he looks to add to his two-goal tally for Malaysia.
At the back, the defensive pairing of Shahrul Saad and Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar have provided solidity, with Dominic Tan, Junior Eldstal and Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili also proving dependable options in central defence.
Out wide, Dion Cools and La’Vere Corbin-Ong will once again bring energy and endurance on the flanks.
In midfield, Nooa Laine will continue to anchor the team, giving Nazmi Faiz Mansor, Stuart Wilkin, and Afiq Fazail the freedom to dictate the tempo and link play.
Malaysia currently sit comfortably atop Group F with a perfect record – three wins from three matches – and have yet to concede a single goal.
