BANGKOK: National Under-23 striker Haqimi Azim Rosli will miss the final SEA Games Group B game against Vietnam on Thursday (Dec 11).
Coach Nafuzi Zain confirmed the news, saying that the player needs to be with his family a little longer after the passing of his stepfather, Sharol Asikin Mohd Shariff, who died on Tuesday (Dec 9) after suffering a stroke on Monday.
"I spoke to him on Tuesday night and then this morning, he said he needed more time to be with his loved ones. For me, the player’s state of mind is my utmost priority," said Nafuzi at the team’s stay at Al Meroz in Bangkok on Wednesday.
"But if we get to the semi-finals, he will be there. He apologised to the coaches and the team, but promised to be back for the semis if we get there and we will work to get there."
Haqimi is Harimau Muda’s first-choice striker and played a crucial role in the 4-1 win against Laos at the Rajamangala Stadium on Dec 6 by scoring a goal.
In his place, Abdul Rahman Daud is expected to start upfront for Malaysia.
