The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has announced a 38-player squad called up by national team head coach, Peter Cklamovski, for the Harimau Malaya centralized training camp, set to begin on Sunday, 18 May 2025.
This camp serves as a crucial part of Malaysia’s preparations for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round, with key matches looming in June.
The squad retains 25 players from the team that recently defeated Nepal in the opening Group F fixture on 25 March 2025. In addition, Cklamovski has injected youthful energy by calling up several promising U-23 players, aiming to build squad depth and continuity for the long-term.
Among the notable inclusions are Hector Hevel (Portimonense S.C.), Dion Cools (Buriram United FC), and Gabriel Palmero (CD Tenerife B), further boosting Malaysia’s international pedigree.
The training camp will be conducted in three phases:
- Phase 1 (18 May): 28 players to report in Johor Bahru.
- Phase 2 (25 May): 8 players, including senior names like Syihan Hazmi, Corbin-Ong, Matthew Davies, and Romel Morales, will join.
- Phase 3 (1 June): Final arrivals, Dion Cools and Hector Hevel.
The first phase of the centralized training will take place in Johor Bahru (18-26 May), before shifting to Kuala Lumpur (27 May – match day).
To sharpen their readiness, Harimau Malaya will face Cape Verde (FIFA Ranking: 72) in a Tier 1 International Match at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium, Cheras on 29 May 2025 (9:00 PM).
A second encounter in the form of a Training Match will be held behind closed doors at Bukit Jalil National Stadium on 3 June 2025.
These matches are vital tune-ups before the high-stakes qualifier against regional rivals Vietnam on 10 June 2025, also at Bukit Jalil.
A 12-man standby list has also been prepared, featuring experienced players such as Mohamadou Sumareh, Sergio Aguero (Sri Pahang FC), and Darren Lok (Sabah FC), ready to step in if necessary.
Johor Darul Ta’zim dominates the squad selection with 12 players, underscoring the club’s significant contribution to the national team. Selangor FC, Terengganu FC, Sabah FC, and Kuala Lumpur City FC also provide key talents.
“This training camp will be pivotal as we gear up for a crucial window in our AFC Asian Cup qualifying campaign. The blend of experience and youth in this squad reflects our vision of sustainable progress,” said Cklamovski.
Malaysia currently sits in Group F alongside Vietnam, Nepal, and Kyrgyzstan in the Final Round of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers. Victory against Vietnam on 10 June will be critical in boosting Malaysia’s qualification hopes.
Credit Photo : HongZheng Lim/SNE-Photo
