PETALING JAYA: Young national football team defender Azam Azmi Murad (pic) is a player in demand.
The 23-year-old Terengganu player had been included in the national team centralised training camp ahead of the 2026 World Cup-2027 Asian Cup qualifying match against Oman in Muscat on March 22 and at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on March 26.
Azam is also part of the national Under-23 training camp from March 17 for the Under-23 Asian Cup from April 15 to May 3 in Doha.
He is thrilled to be in both the squads but said he would love to make the trip to Muscat to face Oman as that would be an experience that will elevate his game.
“But it’s up to the coach to decide whether I will see action with the senior squad or the Under-23 team. My goal this year is to go to Oman to help Harimau Malaya qualify for the next stage of the qualifiers,” said Azam.
“I had not been training for a few months after the season ended, we had few sessions with Terengganu before joining the national training camp. The intensity is higher at this level and I’m working hard in training.
“I want to do well with the Under-23 in the Asian Cup and I have no issues over playing where ever my services are needed. Personally, I want to play for the senior team as it’s a higher level to test my abilities.”
Azam has made seven appearances for the national team since 2022 and had been a mainstay with the national Under-23 side since 2021, making 12 appearances, including helping the team qualify for the 2024 Under-23 Asian Cup.
The Penang born player said the upcoming closed door test match against Nepal at a yet to be confirmed venue tomorrow will be a good test for him and the team.
Azam added that he’s aware of his position in the pecking order in the team and just aims to gain experience with the national team.
“We are in the midst of getting match fitness, hopefully I can get some playing minutes with Nepal.
“It is challenging to play during the fasting month because of the high intensity training but match fitness is important.
“The competition is tough in the team and everyone is fighting to make the final squad.
‘‘My focus is on the senior team because their assignment comes first.
“We face a tough match against Oman but we need to be believe in the team to do well.”
