Double shot: Darren Lok scored a brace in the match against Nepal.
PETALING JAYA: National coach Kim Pan-gon wanted to see character and tenacity from all the 33 players selected for his centralised camp when they took on Nepal in a closed-door friendly. And he got what he wished for.
His charges lived up to his expectations by beating Nepal 5-1 in a game that was held for 140 minutes, divided into four halves at the UiTM Stadium in Shah Alam on Friday.
Darren Lok scored a double in the 31st and 35th minute, while the other goals were scored by Stuart Wilkin (46th), Daniel Ting (48th) and Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi (135th).
Nepal’s lone goal came through Sameer Tamang in the 68th minute.
The friendly is a warm-up for the World Cup 2026-Asian Cup 2027 second-round qualifiers against Oman in Group D on March 21 (Muscat) and March 26 (Bukit Jalil).
It is learnt that Pan-gon was pleased with the performances of the Under-23 players selected for the camp and is likely to name four out of the 10 youngsters to be part of the 25-member squad for the qualifier.
The 25-men squad are expected to be announced today but sources close to the team revealed some details.
It is learnt from sources close to the team that defenders Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar and Azam Azmi Murad and midfielders Nooa Laine and Mukhairi are set to make the team for the qualifiers.
Darren said the arrival of the youngsters was a good sign.
“It is a good opportunity for the young boys to come and see what is expected of them under a different coach and see the level that is required to be here,” said the 33-year-old, who has been with the national team since 2016.
“There are lots of talented young players in this country but it’s all about how much they want it. Are they willing to work hard?”
“The talent is there, so hopefully they can continue to work hard and the older players like myself can guide them. It would be a great experience for the boys.”
