PETALING JAYA: High hopes are once again pinned on the national Under-23 squad at the Thailand SEA Games next month to lift the gloom enveloping local football fans who have met with various disappointments this year.
As the image of Malaysian football is tarnished by the issue of fraudulent documentation of seven mixed-heritage players, which have led to strict action by FIFA, the focus of supporters will shift to the Under-23 squad managed by Nafuzi Zain.
The SEA Games have traditionally been an arena that is close to the hearts of fans and Nafuzi’s boys now shoulder a great responsibility not only to give the best performance but also to become a beacon of new confidence to fans.
Nafuzi, speaking on the first day of centralised training camp, said he fully understands the pressure fans are feeling when the performance of national football is often talked about against the backdrop of issues that tarnish the dignity of the sport.
“I know the high expectations placed on the supporters, especially for this SEA Games since the beginning, especially the desire to bring home a gold medal for the country,” he said.
“What we can hope for is to give something to the supporters. Even though the preparations are short and facing several constraints with the league competition still going on, we will take on the challenge.
“We hope to advance to the next level and do our best to achieve success in the SEA Games.’’
Malaysia have been drawn in Group B with Laos (Dec 7) and Vietnam (Dec 11) in the group stage for the Thailand SEA Games.
Only three group champions and one best runner-up qualify for the semi-finals.
At the last SEA Games in Cambodia two years ago, the country’s Under-23 squad failed to clear the group stage after finishing third in Group B.
Nafuzi hoped his men would be able to advance to the semi-finals this time.
“In terms of targets, we failed to advance to the semi-finals and also to the final.
“So what’s important is we try to reach the semi-finals first,” he said.
The last time Malaysia made the SEA Games podium in football was winning silver in the 2017 edition in Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia last won gold at the 2011 SEA Games in Indonesia, beating the hosts 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
