Malaysia’s ASEAN Cup Campaign Hits Snag Due to Injury and Club Interference Issues
Malaysia’s head coach Pau Marti Vicente expressed disappointment over the issues faced by his squad at the start of their 2024 ASEAN Cup campaign. Harimau Malaya struggled to secure a 3-2 victory against Timor-Leste at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, last night.
Injuries and Club Interference
Vicente revealed that his team is facing injuries, with at least three players – Darren Lok, Muhammad Syafiq Ahmad, and Fergus Tierney – likely to miss the matches due to injuries. Besides injuries, the Spaniard also expressed concerns over "interference" from clubs, which is posing a challenge for the national team.
"It is also difficult for players how to focus in national team tournaments when clubs are asking them to go back, report late (for training camp), very difficult for players, I think they are doing their best in these circumstances," Vicente said at a post-match press conference.
Player Movement and Squad Selection
The issue of player movement and squad selection has also become a concern for the national team. Mohamed Syamer Kutty Abba and Muhammad Adib Abdul Ra’op, who were part of the squad that drew 2-2 with Cambodia in Phnom Penh last Sunday, returned to play for Penang FC in their 4-0 victory over PT Athletic FC in the first leg of the 2024/2025 Challenge Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday (Dec 10).
Both players have rejoined the national team but were not fielded against Timor-Leste. However, rumours are swirling that Malaysia may lose several more players reportedly recalled by their clubs ahead of the critical match in Bangkok.
Group Standings and Next Match
Malaysia currently leads Group A with four points, one ahead of defending champions Thailand and Singapore, who are second and third, respectively, with a game in hand. Cambodia sits on the fourth spot with one point, while Timor-Leste remains at the bottom without a single point after two matches.
The national team will face defending champions Thailand in Bangkok this Saturday.
Conclusion
Malaysia’s ASEAN Cup campaign has gotten off to a rocky start due to injuries and club interference issues. Despite these challenges, the national team remains committed to fielding the best squad and is determined to achieve a good result in the critical match against Thailand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many points does Malaysia have in Group A?
A: Malaysia has four points in Group A.
Q: How many points does Thailand and Singapore have in Group A?
A: Thailand and Singapore have three points in Group A, with a game in hand.
Q: Who are the likely injured players for Malaysia?
A: Darren Lok, Muhammad Syafiq Ahmad, and Fergus Tierney are likely to miss the matches due to injuries.
Q: Why did Mohamed Syamer Kutty Abba and Muhammad Adib Abdul Ra’op return to play for Penang FC?
A: They returned to play for Penang FC in the 2024/2025 Challenge Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday (Dec 10).
Q: Will Malaysia lose more players ahead of the match against Thailand?
A: Rumours are swirling that Malaysia may lose several more players reportedly recalled by their clubs ahead of the critical match in Bangkok.