PHNOM PENH TEST FOR YOUTH SQUAD
Kim Swee to make use of tournament to prepare for AFC Under-23 Qualifiers
DESPITE the absence of several regulars, the national youth squad believe they can make an impact in the AFF Under-22 Championship in Phnom Penh.
Ong Kim Swee’s side will open their Group B campaign against Cambodia tomorrow, followed by Indonesia (Wednesday) and Myanmar (Friday).
Among the notable absentees are Johor Darul Ta’zim’s Safawi Rasid and Akhyar Rashid, Selangor’s Syahmi Safari, Felda United’s Daniel Amier Norhisham, Pahang’s Faisal Abdul Halim and Kedah’s Fadzrul Danel Nizam.
They were either not released by their clubs or not picked by Kim Swee.
The coach did not pick some players as they have proven themselves in previous tournaments.
Among the experienced players in the 23-member squad are R. Kogileswaran, Haziq Nadzli, Dominic Tan, Hadi Fayyadh Abdul Razak and Nik Akif Syahiran Nik Mat, who will miss the opening game due to an injury.
However, the tournament in Phnom Penh is only a test for Kim Swee’s squad and also the other teams. They are using it to prepare for next month’s AFC Under-23 Qualifiers, which doubles up as an Olympic qualifier.
Indonesia and Malaysia are the favourites to qualify for the semifinals from their group.
However, fireworks can be expected when both teams face off as Indonesian fans are angry with Pahang for not releasing 21-yearold winger Saddil Ramdani for the tournament.
Pahang’s social media sites have been bombarded with negative comments from Indonesian fans, and with the issue already at boiling point, the match on Wednesday is expected to be a heated affair.
“I thank the Asean Football Federation (AFF) and Cambodia for making this happen. It is an important tournament for everyone. We will use the tournament to work on our limitations before the AFC U-23 Qualifiers.
“My team have many new players and the exposure here will make it easier for me to pick my best for the qualifiers.
“I hope the tournament will go well for us. We are hoping for a good outing as it will offer confidence for the qualifiers,” said Kim Swee at the pre-tournament press conference in Phnom Penh yesterday.
On Malaysia’s chances of qualifying for the semi-finals, Kim Swee said: “We cannot take any team lightly as youth sides in this region have improved a lot.
“I don’t think there are favourites here. Southeast Asian youth teams have been making a lot of progress. It will be an exciting tournament,” he added.
Group A comprise Thailand, Timor Leste, Vietnam and the Philippines. Singapore, Laos and Brunei withdrew from the tournament.