KUALA LUMPUR – The AFC Asian Cup, a battleground for Asian footballing nations fueled by grand ambitions, often witnesses triumph emerging from adversity with the Iraq national football team standing as a poignant example.
Since their inaugural appearance in the tournament in 1972, often hailed as the ‘World Cup of Asia’, this war-torn nation has relentlessly toiled, securing a perennial spot and achieving glory as champions in the 2007 edition.
For Malaysia, breaking a 42-year qualification drought for the Asian Cup through merit signals a turning point.
The focus is now on cultivating consistency as the linchpin of success, despite a setback in their group match against Jordan.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) remains resolute in its pursuit of elevating the national team’s football standards to a global level, harbouring dreams of gracing the World Cup stage, with the journey commencing through steadfast participation in the Asian Cup.
Speaking to Scoop from Doha, FAM president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin said the tournament serves as a stepping stone for player preparation and gaining valuable knowledge by competing against elite teams.
“The team should not be judged based on one defeat,” said Hamidin.
“Our journey is not over. We came here to learn, and the experience gained will be invaluable, helping us play in this tournament consistently, which is our ultimate goal.
“Then perhaps one day, we can build a team capable of playing in the World Cup in the near future. This is a project we’ve started, and in my opinion, we are making progress.
“South Korea followed a similar path, regularly participating in the Asian Cup and other tournaments since 1956, eventually reaching the semifinals of the 2002 World Cup.
“That’s the direction we are aiming for – consistency,” said Hamidin.
Hamidin acknowledged criticism of head coach Kim Pan-gon’s player choices but urged Harimau Malaya fans to support the national team and trust the South Korean’s process.
“All Malaysians have to be united in supporting the national team as we have created history by playing in such a prestigious tournament.
“Pan-gon has all the rights to experiment with the players. We brought him in for a reason and, in my opinion, he’s doing a great job.
“Hence, I urge everyone to have trust in him and rally behind the national team.
“The players promised to rise in our upcoming match and I believe that they will do it,” Hamidin added.
Malaysia, starting their Asian Cup campaign with a 4-0 defeat to Jordan, sits at the bottom of Group E.
They face Bahrain on Saturday and South Korea on January 25. – January 17, 2024