BANGKOK: When Malaysia won their SEA Games Under-23 football match against Laos on Dec 7, Aliff Izwan Yuslan had his heart in his mouth.
Travelling to Penang for Selangor’s Super League match, he watched the game on his tablet and felt helpless when Laos took the lead in the fourth minute.
But he was overcome with joy and broke down in the Selangor bus when the Young Tigers roared back to win 4-1. He really wanted to be with the team, celebrating.
He has now got his wish.
After Selangor’s own 5-1 win over Penang, his coach Christophe Gamel finally released Aliff for the Games.
Now, the striker is gunning for action against Vietnam in Malaysia’s second game today. A draw will take them into the knockout stages.
“We all knew how difficult the preparations were for the national team. This tournament isn’t on the FIFA calendar, so player availability was always an issue,” he said.
“Some players couldn’t join early. It was hard for the coaches.
“But I feel motivated now, because my teammates gave everything in the first game. Against Vietnam, I will give everything.”
Aliff knows Vietnam well – they are a team who enjoy provoking opponents and even the media have chimed in.
But Aliff was calm about it.
“If you take the provocations too seriously, you’ll fall.”
As for whether he will be in the starting 11, Aliff, who is competing in his second Games, said it was all up to the coach.
“If he wants me in the first 11, I’ll give my best. If I’m a substitute, I’ll accept it because they’ve been training longer and I’ve just arrived.”
