PETALING JAYA: National striker Paulo Josue had hoped for a fitting farewell on the international stage by bowing out after the 2027 Asian Cup.
But that dream is now in tatters.
Malaysia’s hopes of qualifying are over, although they still have one match left against Vietnam at the Nam Dinh Stadium on March 31 to complete the Group F campaign in the Asian Cup qualifiers.
But with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) docking six points for fielding ineligible players in their 2-0 win over Nepal and 4-0 victory against Vietnam last year, the final match is a lost cause.
Even if Malaysia beat Vietnam, they will still finish second in the group, with Vietnam earning the right to compete in the next year’s Asian Cup.
The 37-year-old Josue admitted he was disappointed that the recent developments had altered his plans.
“I was so excited about playing in another Asian Cup,” admitted the Kuala Lumpur team captain.
In 2023, Malaysia, under coach Kim Pan-gon of South Korea, qualified for the Asian Cup where they held South Korea 3-3 in the group stage. Josue provided the assist for Romel Morales’ injury-time goal in that game. Harimau Malaya had earlier lost the first two group games – Jordan (0-4) and Bahrain (0-1).
“I’ve reached the tail end of my career and had thought of retiring after the next Asian Cup, but that has now changed,” he said.
While the future of the national team is uncertain, Josue is hopeful of more opportunities, with the new FIFA Asean Cup set to kick off in September.
“I just hope there will be no further repercussions and that our international calendar remains filled over the next few years. If that happens, I can continue representing the national team.”
“I will be 42 at the 2031 Asian Cup. We are talking about five years from now, so I cannot predict what will happen,” he said.
Josue hopes a new generation of players will rise.
“I’ll play as long as I’m still given the opportunity but I hope new strikers will emerge and wear the national jersey with pride.
“Hopefully, players from the Under-17, Under-18 and Under-19 setups will form the next generation to take Malaysia to the next Asian Cup (2031).”
Despite the ineligibility saga that has rocked Malaysian football, Josue remains focused on his role.
“The only way to overcome the negativity is to go onto the field, play football and give our best, whether in matches or in training,” said Josue.
“It is up to those in management to deal with these matters.
“As players, we have our own thoughts and opinions, but it is not necessary for us to share them. Our job is to play football.
“What I will do is support my teammates in the national team.”
Josue also expressed gratitude for his latest national call-up by coach Peter Cklamovski, and hopes to earn his 28th cap against Vietnam.
“Being called up is like a reward for those performing well in the league or wherever they are playing,” said Josue, who resides in Kepong and proudly calls himself a “budak Kepong”.
He noted that the squad composition for the Vietnam match could influence Malaysia’s tactical approach.
“This time, the call-up is a bit different. There are not many attackers, but we have plenty of defenders, so perhaps we may adopt a more defensive strategy and rely on quick counter-attacks,” he said.
“After beating them 4-0 in Kuala Lumpur last year, Vietnam will certainly be seeking revenge despite the issues in Malaysian football. Regardless of the problems, we want to put up a strong fight.”
Josue said Malaysia were not short of talent, with Safawi Rasid, Luqman Hakim Shamsuddin and Faisal Halim forming a strong attacking line-up.
“Safawi is one of the best players in the league, Luqman is doing well, and Faisal is back to his best form. We may not have many attackers, but the ones we have are of quality,” added Josue.
