Kim Pan-Gon, head coach Malaysia national team, will not release Arif Aiman, a winger of Johor Darul Ta’Zim, to play with the U23 squad because they want to select the best player to play with the main squad in 2 International ‘A’ Friendly Matches in September and prepared for FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian Qualifiers.
However, Pan-Gon said was ready to release other important players to the U23 squad because they realized that the U23 squad would also have an important tournament AFC U23 Asian Cup 2024 Qualifiers in Chonburi, Thailand next month.
“We always look to select the best players. We know there will be championships for the B-23 squad this September so that we will send all the important players to the U23 squad.” Pan-Gon said.
“Except for Arif Aiman (not going to the U23 squad), because at the same time, we also want to select the best players to prepare the senior squad.
“I think Arif Aiman will be taken to the senior national squad. We will send other players with the B-23 squad, it is good for them to gain international ranking experience, and it is hoped that they can help the U23 squad,”
Credit Photo : FAM
