"Time to Prove Our Worth" – Ubaidullah Shamsul
Malaysian defender Ubaidullah Shamsul insists the reshuffled Harimau Malaya backline is fully prepared to test themselves against higher-ranked opponents, viewing the upcoming FIFA window as a golden opportunity to cement his place in the national team.
Standing tall amidst a heavily rotated national squad, defender Ubaidullah Shamsul has declared that Harimau Malaya’s backline possesses the quality to battle higher-ranked opposition as the team officially departed for China from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
Ubaidullah, who featured in Malaysia's AFC Asian Cup squad in Doha earlier this year, views his call-up for the November 14 and 17 Tier 1 International Friendlies against China and Yemen as a vital platform for himself and the new additions to make a bold statement.
"Every time we put on the national jersey, we give our absolute best, even with a different group of players," Ubaidullah told reporters at KLIA prior to departure. "This is a massive opportunity for the other players and myself to prove the quality we possess."
Addressing the daunting test of squaring off against a higher-ranked Chinese side on home soil, the young defender remains confident that Malaysia can extract valuable points while gaining crucial international exposure ahead of upcoming World Cup qualification fixtures.
"As players, I believe we can get a positive result for Malaysia," Ubaidullah stated. "These two matches are very important for our World Cup qualification points, but the international experience and performance for the new players will also be great for the team's overall improvement."
Despite the absence of several regulars in defense, Ubaidullah completely brushed off concerns regarding backline chemistry, noting that the players drafted into the squad are already familiar with the national team setup and system.
"I don't think there's a huge difference because these are players who have been in and around the national team before. It's not something entirely new for us," he explained. "The defensive chemistry is already there; it’s just a matter of how the coach organizes the lineup. I am confident that whoever gets the nod will give 100 percent."
Reflecting on Harimau Malaya's defensive resilience during the Asian Cup in Doha, Ubaidullah added that those metrics serve as strong motivation to keep pushing the team forward. On a personal level, his mission for the trip to China is clear.
"My personal target is to get playing time, earn more caps for the national team, and, of course, win both of these matches, Insha-Allah," Ubaidullah concluded.
Credit Photo : FAM
