KUALA LUMPUR — Midfielder Mukhairi Ajmal has high hopes for the national Under-23 (U-23) team as they gear up for the upcoming Asian Cup qualifiers in Chonburi, Thailand, scheduled from September 6-12.
Malaysia will take on Thailand, the Philippines, and Bangladesh in Group H as they battle it out for a place at the U-23 Asia Cup, set to take place in Qatar next year.
Mukhairi, a winger for Selangor FC, is optimistic about Malaysia’s chances in the qualifiers despite recent setbacks that have taken a toll on the team’s morale.
“I’m hopeful that we can spring a surprise because our motivation has taken a hit lately.
“We have been losing a lot, and I’m counting on the players to motivate themselves and bounce back for these qualifiers,” said Mukhairi when met at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium here today.
Malaysia had previously competed in the Cambodia SEA Games in May in Phnom Penh but failed to progress beyond the group stage.
For the U-23 national team, Mukhairi will play in the central midfield position as opposed to his usual winger position in the Selangor team.
“I see this move as an advantage, allowing me to contribute effectively in various midfield positions.
“We know at Selangor there are a lot of quality import players, so I have to challenge myself to play in different positions.
“That is a positive for me as I can seamlessly transition between midfield positions.
“But for the national team, I am used to being deployed in the middle. So I will focus on that position,” said Mukhairi, who is making a return to the U-23 team.
Coach E. Elavarasan’s squad is bolstered by the inclusion of overseas-based players Nooa Laine and Luqman Hakim Shamsudin, who will join the squad in Thailand.
“The inclusion of Nooa and Luqman is a positive for this team because we know that they play at a higher level abroad. But for me, what is important is the overall teamwork as opposed to individual performances, so I hope they can adapt to their teammates quickly.
“As footballers, we need to know how to play as a team as that is what truly matters,” Mukhairi added.
Meanwhile, fullback Azam Azmi Murad said the team is in good shape ahead of the qualifiers, saying they learned a lot from their SEA Games participation in Cambodia.
“I will do my best for the team and try to help them qualify for the next stage,” he said.
“Before this, I was injured, but I had played four games for Terengganu. So I have no problems with my fitness right now and can play 90 minutes,” he said.
Azam added that his determination to contribute to the team’s success fueled his comeback and he was grateful for the opportunity to represent the national team.
Malaysia will open their campaign against Bangladesh on September 6, followed by a match against the Philippines on the 9th, and a final group clash with Thailand on the 12th. — September 2, 2023
 team as they gear up for the upcoming Asian Cup qualifiers in Chonburi, Thailand, scheduled from September 6-12.){kind=link}