SEA Games gold medal is within grasp, says Malaysian footballer

WhatsAppWhatsAppFacebookFacebookTwitterTwitterPinterestPinterestRedditRedditGmailGmailShareShare

 ASEAN  ASEAN ASEAN – Luqman Hakim Shamsudin, a national football prodigy, feels that good communication among the current national Under 23 (U-23) group might lead to a gold medal at the South East Asian (SEA) Games in Hanoi, Vietnam.

After multiple prior friendly matches, he claimed the team, coached by Brad Maloney, had developed a strong understanding among themselves, giving them an edge when they faced other teams at the biennial Games.

“Of course, my aim is for the squad to win gold, not silver or bronze…just gold.” We have played friendly matches with Timor Leste and the Philippines, and the team has made the greatest preparations possible.

“These friendlies have helped us gel as a team,” he said following the team’s last training session at the PKNS Sports Complex.

They are scheduled to go to Hanoi for the SEA Games on May 4th.

Despite facing stiff competition in Group B, Luqman Hakim vowed the players will try their best and give it their all in every encounter.

Related Posts

Meanwhile, Maloney said that, despite the intense competition, his charges would be able to compete if he could assemble the squad in the following four days.

He believes that certain players have obvious leadership characteristics and might form the basis of a team that can help Malaysia win the championship.

“I believe it is apparent that we have a strong leadership group, including players such as Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi, Nik Akif Syahiran Nik Mat, Muhammad Azri Ab Ghani, Ahmad Zikri Mohd Khalili, and Muhammad Azrin Afiq Rusmini.” All of these guys, in my opinion, have leadership qualities and experience.

“It’s nice to have Hadi Fayyadh (Abdul Razak) and Luqman Hakim back in the squad. They’ve just recently come from overseas, but they seem to be in excellent shape,” he continued.

Hadi Fayyadh plays for Azul Claro Numazu in the Japanese J3 League, whereas Luqman Hakim plays for KV Kortrijk in the Belgian First Division.

Malaysia is in Group B and will play Thailand on May 7, Laos on May 11, Singapore on May 14, and Cambodia on May 16 at the Thien Truong Stadium in Nam Dinh. In the group stage, only the top two teams will proceed to the semi-finals.

The last time Malaysia won the ‘mother of all medals’ at the biennial Games was in Jakarta, Indonesia, in 2011, under the leadership of head coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee.

Katherine S

1/4 German, 3/4 Malaysian. I write, follow and monitor closely political news happening in Malaysia, and other happening news in the ASEAN region. Newswriter for the best ASEAN news website - The Asian Affairs.

Recent Posts

Who is Nagiko Tono? Why the Japanese Film Industry Plunged into Shock For Her Death?

The popular Japanese actress Nagiko Tono died at 45 and her death has been confirmed today on 17 July 2025.…

July 17, 2025

2026 World Cup Asian Zone Qualifiers: Full Draw and Upcoming Match Schedule Announced!

The fourth round of the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) qualifiers will soon be held in this year which helps the…

July 17, 2025

Pearl of Africa T20 Series 2025 Kicks Off! Here are the Teams & Fixture

Uganda, the host of this foresight event of promoting the competition among the associate nations of Africa which will eventually…

July 17, 2025

Tomorrowland Main Stage Fire: Belgium Festival Faces Major Setback Before Opening Weekend

Tomorrowland, the world-famous music festival in Belgium, was hit by a massive setback after its main stage was burned down…

July 17, 2025

‘The Tyrant’s Chef’ First Poster Out Now! Catch the Streaming Info Here!

The curtains are finally rolled out by tvN on one of the much anticipated rom-com fantasies of the year, ‘The…

July 17, 2025

Paranormal Expert Dan Rivera Dies at 54 During Annabelle Tour

Dan Rivera, a reputable paranormal investigator and a former soldier of the United States Army died on Sunday suddenly at…

July 17, 2025