PETALING JAYA: Striker Luqman Hakim Shamsuddin (pic) is back in the Harimau Malaya fold after three long years and he intends to make every minute count.
The 23-year-old Luqman has been called up as a replacement for Kuching City’s naturalised striker Jordan Mintah for the game against Nepal in their Asian Cup 2027 third-round qualifier at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow.
Mintah was forced to withdraw due to a thyroid-related illness, which was confirmed by the national medical team on Nov 11.
Luqman did not hide his joy at being reunited with the squad and said his return felt both refreshing and meaningful.
“It is good to be back in the national team. My last camp was a year and a half ago, so it is nice to be reunited with the team,” he said.
“The training intensity has been good and I am enjoying it a lot.”
Luqman’s career has taken him on a roller-coaster journey, with promising moments punctuated by setbacks, including limited minutes this season at Negri Sembilan.
Still, Luqman remains grounded and optimistic about what lies ahead.
“My career has had its ups and downs, but that doesn’t affect me at all,” he said.
“I am still 23. I have a long career ahead of me, so I just have to be patient and make sure I grasp whatever chance I get.”
His last appearance for Malaysia was on March 26, 2022, in a 1–2 friendly defeat to Singapore.
Now with nine caps to his name, Luqman is focusing on rebuilding his rhythm after missing the early part of the current domestic season.
“I missed the first few matches of the season but lately I’ve got some games under my belt,” he said.
“I just have to find that tempo again, and I’m sure I can return to my usual form.”
As for expectations, Luqman said: “I want to repay their faith and do my best if given the chance to play against Nepal.”
For Luqman, this call-up is more than just a return – it is an opportunity to restart, to remind Malaysian fans of his talent, and to contribute to the national team’s push toward continental qualification.
