Sweating it out: Afiq Fazail training with the national team. — FAM
PETALING JAYA: Afiq Fazail returns to the national fold after four years with the hope of adding to his four caps and helping Malaysia get off to a good start in the World Cup 2026-Asian Cup 2027 qualifying campaign.
Harimau Malaya will take on Kyrgyzstan at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Thursday and Taiwan on Nov 21 at the Taipei Municipal Stadium in the Group D qualifiers, and the Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) midfielder is expected to play a crucial role in those games.
In his last call-up, Afiq played under coach Tan Cheng Hoe but admitted that the approach to the game is different under Kim Pan-gon.
“The game is faster now. The national team are much more direct. In training, I am making sure to adapt to it because I want to help the national team win games in the qualifiers,” said the 29-year-old, who made his national debut in 2017.
“After four years, it’s nice to don the national jersey again. I know I have to fight for a spot because there are many midfielders in the team. I am fit and raring to go.
“I know most of the players in the team, so chemistry-wise, I am not too concerned. I’m looking forward to playing again for Malaysia.”
Meanwhile, his club teammate Shahrul Saad said he wanted to play regularly for Malaysia to enhance his chances of playing in the Asian Cup next year.
The player who has 52 caps, wasn’t called up for the Merdeka Tournament recently due to injury. He now has to compete with other centrebacks – Dominic Tan, Junior Eldstal, Dion Cools and Sharul Nazeem Zulpakar.
“I want to get back my minutes this year. I am waiting for the chance to play for the national team,” said the 30-year-old.
“For the game against Kyrgyzstan, we have seen their previous games and know what they are capable of. We hope to do something special against them.”
“Plus we are playing at home, so that’s an advantage.”
