PETALING JAYA: In-form defender Daniel Ting has given Malaysian football something to cheer about as the national team prepare for their 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier against Vietnam on March 31.
The 33-year-old has emerged as one of the most talked-about players in the region since joining Thai club Ratchaburi in January.
Daniel has featured in 14 matches, including four in the AFC Champions League Two. And he has excelled in the role as centreback — a shift from his usual role as a marauding leftback during his stints with Kuala Lumpur and Sabah.
His assured displays have been one of the major reasons why Ratchaburi are currently third in the Thai League, and they also gave top Japanese club Gamba Osaka a tough fight in the ACL Two quarter-finals before losing just 2-3 on aggregate.
Daniel said his transition to the central role in defence has been a smooth one, thanks to his previous experience in the position.
“It feels quite familiar because I have played there for Sabah as well. I also featured in that role a lot when I was younger, so it wasn’t a tough transition — it has been quite comfortable,” said Daniel, who joined the national team camp in Bangkok on Tuesday after playing in a Thai League match on Sunday.
The demanding club schedule has also been a positive experience for Daniel.
“It has been busy with lots of games, and I’ve played every minute so far — which I’m not complaining about at all,” he said.
“Playing in the Champions League Two for the first time has been special. The pitches, the atmosphere, and facing a J-League club — it was a great experience against a top-level side.”
Daniel is now focused on delivering a strong performance for Malaysia in the match against Vietnam despite the country being out of the running for an Asian Cup spot.
Malaysia had two of their earlier results overturned after they were found to have fielded ineligible players.
“We’re still hungry for a win — every player goes into a game with that mindset. Even if qualification is no longer at stake, there are still FIFA ranking points to fight for, and we want to climb up,” he said.
“Regardless of the points deduction, when you wear the national jersey, you give everything for your country.”
Malaysia have slipped from 121st to 135th in the FIFA rankings following points deductions linked to their international friendlies and 2027 Asian Cup qualifying matches.
