Sikh Izhan, goalkeeper Malaysia U23 national team from Negeri Sembilan FC, described the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2024 qualifiers Group H in Chonburi, Thailand, as a ‘final exam’ for the national team.
Malysia U23 has lost to Thailand in the last 2 times meetings when they lost 0-2 in the group stage action of the SEA Games last May and succumbed 3-4 through a penalty shoot-out in the AFF U23 Championship 2023, 3rd place match last month then.
“For me, this is the ‘final exam’ for the U-23 squad. We have met Thailand in the SEA Games and we also met them in the AFF Cup. So, we have some lessons and we cannot lose again.” Sikh said.
“We lost two matches before, at least this time we won or drew. I think in this group, Thailand is the team that will probably give a great challenge,”
However, He said, what is essential is that he needs to focus and be ready to give his best if he is sent down by the head coach, E. Elavarasan.
“If given the opportunity to play, I will give my best. I am not worried about that position because Azim Al Amin and Rahadiazli Rahalim are also at their best,” he said.
Malaysia U23 national team will open the Group H action against Bangladesh (6 September) before facing the Philippines (9 September) and the final action against Thailand (12 September).
Credit Photo : FAM
