KUALA LUMPUR – The national under-23 team, still licking their wounds from their thrashing at the hands of defending champions Vietnam yesterday, has now turned their focus to Thailand.
The Young Tigers will take on Thailand in the third-place play-off match of the Asean Under-23 Cup at Rayong Provincial Stadium tomorrow.
Team captain Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili said that it is important to learn from mistakes in previous games to secure at least a bronze medal in the championship.
“We are currently working with our coach to rectify and improve our mistakes from our match against Vietnam.
Facing Thailand will be a formidable challenge, as they are a strong team. However, we have belief in our capabilities and are prepared to give our all to secure at least third place in this tournament.”
Regarding the team’s defeat against Vietnam in the semifinal match yesterday, the 20-year-old midfielder, who plays for Terengganu FC, was disappointed because it dashed their hopes of reaching the final.
“We are gutted by this defeat, as we came into this championship with high hopes.
“However, the team’s morale and spirit remain high, and we are motivated for tomorrow’s game. Even finishing third in this championship will be considered a commendable achievement for us.”
Shamsul said that a victory in the third-place play-off against Thailand will provide a significant boost for the team as they prepare for the 2023 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualification.
“Our qualification match for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup is around the corner, hence, we hope to use this win as a stepping stone for the qualification games and prove ourselves to coach Elavarasan through our commitment and dedication to the team,” he said. – August 25, 2023