[UPDATED] 2 M’sian players down with Covid-19 ahead of AFF Suzuki Cup match

KUALA LUMPUR – Harimau Malaya winger Muhammad Faisal Halim and goalkeeper Muhammad Khairulazhan Mohd Khalid tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of today’s 5.30pm AFF Suzuki Cup match against Cambodia.

The duo is currently under a 10-day quarantine, Bernama reported.

The unfortunate episode may hamper the team’s preparations, but it can also be the best talisman for the national team lined up with some experienced and exceptional young players with the potential of making their own history.

RALAT: Pemain #HarimauMalaya Faisal Halim & Khairul Azhan telah disahkan positif #COVID19 dan terpaksa dikuarantinkan. Satu berita yang mendukacitakan tetapi kami mendoakan semoga kedua pemain cepat sembuh. ? #AFFSuzukiCup2020 #BersamaHarimauMalaya #KamiTeamMalaysia pic.twitter.com/WHoLaTK1zX

— Team Malaysia (@TeamMsia) December 5, 2021

Head coach Tan Cheng Hoe’s squad has several up-and-coming talents such as winger Arif Aiman ​​Mohd Hanapi who was called up at the last minute, as well as Luqman Hakim Shamsudin (striker) and midfielder Muhammad Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi.

Apart from that, the services of seniors such as goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, who was in the squad, which won the 2010 AFF Cup 2010, as well as Baddrol Bakhtiar and captain Mohamad Aidil Zafuan Abd Radzak, will likely be able to provide some balance in terms of experience. 

The opening match against Cambodia marks the start of Harimau Malaya’s mission to chase their second AFF Suzuki Cup title since winning it for the first time in 2010.

The national team came close in 2014 and 2018 but finished as runners-up after losing in both finals.

Their success in the tournament will not only be a morale booster for the team, but also delight all the local fans who wish to see Malaysia be crowned as the “kings” of Southeast Asia once again.

It would also be their first international title in over a decade, since beating archrivals Indonesia to win the 2010 edition of the cup.

Drawn alongside Cambodia, Laos, defending champions Vietnam and Indonesia in Group B, Malaysia has a good chance of finishing in the top two and advancing to the semi-finals based on world rankings.

Malaysia is currently ranked 154th in the world, with only Vietnam above them at 99th, while Indonesia is 166th, Cambodia (170th) and Laos (185th).

After their campaign opener against Cambodia tomorrow, they will face Laos on December 9, followed by Vietnam (December 12) and Indonesia (December 19).

However, it is not going to be an easy road for Cheng Hoe’s side, who will be without the services of some key players, apart from having to go through a short and challenging preparation phase due to some last-minute injuries.

Cheng Hoe was also unable to test his tactics and player combinations due to the lack of friendly games, and could only gather his full team just two days prior to the opening match.

In the last five editions of the AFF Suzuki Cup, Malaysia passed the group stage four times, and played in three finals, winning one of them. – The Vibes, December 6, 2021