Garrido relieved to have four key players back in national U-23 side

Better late than never. National Under-23 football team coach Juan Torres Garrido is relieved that he will have his key players – midfielders Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi and Nooa Laine, and defenders Azam Azmi Murad and Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar – back in his side to prepare for the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup from April 15 to May 3 in Doha, Qatar.

The tournament is also a qualifier for the Olympics, with the top three in Doha earning automatic spots for Paris 2024.

Mukhairi, Laine, Azam and Harith were also part of the senior team for the World Cup 2026-Asian Cup 2027 second-round qualifiers against Oman, and will only join the Under-23 national team camp tomorrow.

Garrido said he wished he had the four players earlier for the training camp but it couldn’t be helped that they were also needed by the Haimau Malaya.

“In an optimal situation, you want your whole squad from the beginning but we understand the situation,” said Garrido.

“These players certainly add quality to a team.

“And with them coming back from the national team, they’ll be even better.”

The Under-23 team have played two friendly matches against India, winning 2-1 on March 23 and drawing 1-1 yesterday.

Garrido said the boys have reached a good fitness level after a lay-off but he’s not able to identify his best 11 yet.

“I’ve been working for a week with the players, and they’ve shown good fitness and attitude.

“With the four key players rejoining soon, I can make a better overall assessment and decide what’s the best game plans for us in Doha.”

The team will leave for Doha on March 31, and they will play warm-up matches against China on April 3, Qatar (April 6 or 7) and a yet-to-be-decided match on April 10 or 11.

For the Under-23 Asian Cup, Malaysia are drawn in Group D with Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Kuwait. The top two teams in the group will advance to the quarter-finals.