KUALA LUMPUR – Citing the national team’s qualification for the 2023 Asian Cup on merit after 42 years, Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin aims to take Malaysian football even further.
Hamidin, who took over FAM’s top post in 2018 from Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, believes the national team have improved, which is evident from their qualification last night.
With that in mind, Hamidin said that Harimau Malaya should now target tournaments beyond the continent.
“We cannot just be playing within Asia anymore. We need to go further.
“Head coach Kim Pan-gon has also stated his intentions for the upcoming year and I think it is achievable,” he said at a press conference after the historic win.
Hamidin said when the national team competes in the Asian Cup next year, it is important to show other teams that they are not pushovers.
“We cannot be bullied by the top teams in the tournament.
“Although, it is difficult to topple teams such as Japan, South Korea, Iran or Saudi Arabia, it is vital for us to put up a fight and play without fear,” he added.
Hamidin said despite the loss to Bahrain, Pan-gon’s men proved they had the capabilities to take down stronger and higher-ranked teams.
With this achievement, Hamidin said that he knows fans now want Harimau Malaya to qualify for the World Cup next, but added there are certain steps that need to be taken before the dream becomes a reality.
“But for now, we want to focus on the AFF Cup in December.”
Harimau Malaya defeated Bangladesh 4-1 last night to make it through to the 2023 Asian Cup on merit after 42 years of hurt. – The Vibes, June 15, 2022
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