PETALING JAYA: There will be doubts over the strength of Malaysia’s football team after coach Tan Cheng Hoe announced his 26-man squad for the AFF Hyundai Cup on Saturday.
Cheng Hoe faces a tricky build-up to the tournament starting from July 24 to Aug 22, as it falls outside the FIFA international match calendar and coincides with Super League clubs starting their pre-season training for the new season.
But key midfielder Endrick dos Santos has urged supporters to keep the faith and back the squad as they begin their Group B campaign against Myanmar at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon on July 25.
“We know the other teams will be fielding full-strength squads at the tournament, but I have faith in the young Malaysian players as well as the experienced ones who were called up,” said Dos Santos, 31, who previously played for Cong An Ho Chi Minh City in the Vietnamese League
‘’Together, we will try to give our best for our fans despite the current circumstances.’’
The naturalised Brazilian made his debut for Malaysia in 2023 and has since amassed 26 caps for Harimau Malaya.
New addition Wan Kuzain Wan Ahmad Kamal, 28, is also relishing the call-up and will be one of three overseas-based players in the squad.
“I’m very, very excited,” said Kuzain, who plays for Sporting JAX in the United States, in a short statement.
Malaysia are drawn in Group B alongside Thailand, the Philippines, Myanmar and Laos. They open their campaign against Myanmar in Yangon on July 25, before facing Laos at the Cheras Football Stadium on July 28.
The next two fixtures, against Thailand and the Philippines, will be held at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok and the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium on Aug 1 and 8 respectively.
