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Malaysia's Harimau Malaya to Rely on Existing Squad Amidst Injury Concerns for ASEAN Cup
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Sports

Malaysia's Harimau Malaya to Rely on Existing Squad Amidst Injury Concerns for ASEAN Cup

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Malaysia's national football team, Harimau Malaya, will proceed in the 2026 ASEAN Cup with their current squad due to injuries.
  • Coach Tan Cheng Hoe opted against calling up replacements, as players are currently in preseason training with their clubs.
  • The team must secure a win against the Philippines to advance to the semifinals, while also needing Myanmar to not defeat Thailand.

Malaysia's national football team, affectionately known as Harimau Malaya, faces the upcoming 2026 ASEAN Cup matches with a depleted squad. Key players Endrick Dos Santos and Jimmy Raymond are sidelined due to injuries, forcing the coaching staff to rely on the existing roster.

The coaching staff discussed replacement players, but it's difficult to call up others to replace them (Endrick and Jimmy) because the clubs are also undergoing preseason training.

— Tan Cheng HoeExplaining the decision not to call up replacement players due to club commitments.

Interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe explained the decision not to call up any replacement players. "The coaching staff discussed replacement players, but it's difficult to call up others to replace them (Endrick and Jimmy) because the clubs are also undergoing preseason training," Cheng Hoe stated. He emphasized the need for the current players to remain focused and maintain peak fitness for the crucial match against the Philippines.

Cheng Hoe acknowledged the significant impact of Dos Santos and Raymond's absence. "Now we are in a situation where we need to win to qualify for the semifinals," he said, stressing that the team cannot underestimate the Philippines' strength. Both players were instrumental in the team's previous performances, and their loss presents a considerable challenge.

But we hope the players currently in the squad remain focused and ensure they are in the best physical condition to face the Philippines later.

— Tan Cheng HoeExpressing hope for the current squad's performance.

Malaysia is currently tied with Myanmar in points but sits second in Group B due to a lesser goal difference. To secure a spot in the semifinals, Malaysia must defeat the Philippines. Simultaneously, Myanmar faces a tough challenge against Thailand, the seven-time champions who currently lead the group with nine points from three unbeaten matches. The outcome of both matches will determine which team advances alongside Thailand.

Now we are in a situation where we need to win to qualify for the semifinals, we certainly cannot underestimate the strength of the Philippines.

— Tan Cheng HoeHighlighting the importance of the upcoming match against the Philippines.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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