Veteran Forward Paulo Josue Shines for Malaysia Despite Age Concerns

At 37 years old, naturalized forward Paulo Josue continues to be a vital offensive weapon for the Malaysian national football team, nicknamed Harimau Malaya. His experience and current form make him a crucial player as the team prepares for a challenging match against Thailand in the 2026 ASEAN Cup Group B.

Josue has proven his scoring prowess in the tournament so far, leading Malaysia as their top scorer with three goals after two matches. He netted two goals in the team's 2-1 victory over Myanmar and added another in their dominant 4-0 win against Laos. His consistent performance suggests he will once again be relied upon by interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe to deliver positive results in the upcoming game in Bangkok.

Reflecting on his performance, Josue attributed his continued success to the unwavering trust shown by Coach Tan Cheng Hoe. He stated that the coach's confidence is a significant motivator, enabling him to perform at his best despite being in the later stages of his career. Josue believes this trust is essential for all players, regardless of age, and helps younger players develop as well.

Looking ahead to the match against Thailand, Josue anticipates a tougher contest but remains optimistic about Malaysia's ability to secure at least a draw. With six points already secured and the team leading the group, Josue believes a draw would be a satisfactory outcome. He emphasized the need for the team to work hard, execute the coach's game plan, and play to their fullest potential to bring points back from Thailand.