PETALING JAYA: Malaysian football team centreback Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar is thrilled to see a familiar face back in the national set-up – his former Akademi Mokhtar Dahari teammate and striker Luqman Hakim Shamsuddin (pic).
The duo, who graduated from AMD six years ago, have remained close friends despite taking very different routes in their professional careers.
Harith began his senior journey with Selangor in 2020 at just 18, quickly establishing himself as a key figure in the Red Giants’ backline.
Luqman, meanwhile, had a brief spell with Selangor that same year before venturing abroad to join Belgian club KV Kortrijk from 2020 to 2024. His European adventure also included loan spells with Icelandic side Njardvik in 2023 and Japan’s YSCC Yokohama in 2024.
During his time overseas, Luqman earned nine caps for Malaysia, with his last appearance coming in 2022.
Now back on home soil with Negri Sembilan, the 23-year-old forward is eager to reignite his international career.
For Harith, his consistency with Selangor has translated to the national team as well, having featured 10 times for Harimau Malaya since making his debut last year.
The Haimau Malaya are currently in camp preparing for their 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier against Nepal at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Nov 18 and Harith is relishing the positive mood in the camp.
“It’s great to have Luqman back in the Malaysian league and now with the national team,” said the 23-year-old Harith.
“I’m really happy for him. I think he has something special that can strengthen our squad.
“Before this, we had Arif Aiman (Hanapi) leading the attack and now we have Luqman back. Hopefully, he’ll get his chance and if he does, I believe he’ll give his best.”
With familiar faces and renewed energy in the camp, Harith hopes Malaysia can build momentum ahead of their crucial qualifier and that his long-time friend Luqman can mark his return with a strong performance in national colours.
