KUALA LUMPUR – Top national goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi Mohamed is excited about facing Syria and China in Tier 1 international matches in Chengdu, China this month.
The 27-year-old Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) player said the Harimau Malaya squad would stand to gain in terms of experience and identifying their weaknesses by playing Syria and China, which are both ranked among the world’s top 100 teams while Malaysia are at 136.
“Alhamdulillah we get to play friendly matches against teams ranked higher than us, gaining experience and learning whatever is needed to improve ourselves,” he said when met recently.
He is ready to guard Malaysia’s goalmouth again to sharpen his skills, as he has not been truly tested in the Malaysia League since JDT have a solid defence.
Syihan said given the high commitment in the national squad, all its players are ready to play Syria and China, ranked 94th and 80th respectively in the world.
“As players, we give more than 100% commitment in every match, regardless of who we are playing against,” he said.
Malaysia will play Syria on September 6 and China three days later.
Syihan is among three goalkeepers listed by coach Kim Pan Gon for the two matches, with Kalamullah Al-Hafiz Mat Rowi of Kedah Darul Aman FC and Sabah FC’s Damien Lim being the other two.
Syihan has conceded only one goal in three international friendlies he played in since March this year, when Malaysia beat Turkmenistan 1-0, Hong Kong 2-0 and Solomon Islands 4-1.
He was rested in Malaysia’s last friendly match, when the national team thrashed Papua New Guinea 10-0 at Stadium Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu in June. – Bernama, September 1, 2023
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