KUALA LUMPUR – Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin has cautioned the Under-17 (U-17) football team against being complacent as they seek glory on the football field.
He also stressed that they should appreciate that being called up to play at the Asian level was a challenge that required them to do their best for Malaysia.
“They are, however, reminded not to be complacent as their opponents in Asia level are of equal strength.
“Still, I am confident that players are prepared, but what’s important is that a strong fighting spirit for the country needs to be instilled. We cannot be complacent,” he posted on the FAM’s official Facebook page today.
The U-17 squad is now in the final phase of a centralised training camp for the upcoming U-17 Asia Cup 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand, from June 15 to July 2.
The U-17 squad are also scheduled to have friendly matches against two Asian footballing giants, Uzbekistan on Tuesday (June 6), and Saudi Arabia on Friday (June 9) as part of their Asia Cup preparations.
Malaysia has been drawn into Group A with Yemen, Laos and hosts Thailand for the Asia Cup. Should they qualify as part of the best eight teams, they are expected to meet one of either three of the strongest teams in Asia from Group B, South Korea, Qatar or Iran. Afghanistan is the remaining team in Group B.
Malaysia will also be vying for four automatic spots in the 2023 U-17 World Cup in Peru during the competition. – Bernama, June 2, 2023
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