KUALA LUMPUR – Despite the challenges facing the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), including recent issues involving ineligible players, the association has taken heart from the national Under-23 squad.
The squad secured the bronze medal at the men’s football event of the 2025 Bangkok SEA Games, ending an eight-year medal drought.
FAM acting president Datuk Wira Mohd Yusoff Mahadi said the medal was a meaningful achievement and the result of a collective effort by all parties, noting that the team showed the ability to rise above adversity throughout the campaign.
“This success is something we can be proud of. It is the result of everyone’s efforts and the shared desire to see the national team bring something home from the SEA Games,” he told Scoop when contacted.
Yusoff added that the players stepped up despite facing various obstacles during the tournament, while the coaching staff managed the situation well under difficult circumstances.
“The situation was not easy, but the coaching team handled the challenges effectively. It reflects the fighting spirit, discipline and strong commitment shown by the players throughout the competition,” he said.
Under the guidance of head coach Nafuzi Zain, Malaysia defeated the Philippines 2-1 in the bronze-medal play-off at the Rajamangala Stadium yesterday to claim the podium finish.
The last time the Under-23 squad won a medal in SEA Games men’s football was in 2017, when they took silver on home soil after losing 1-0 to Thailand in the final. – December 19, 2025