The rise of Southeast Asian Football: A Reality Check for Malaysia
While some, like Dr. pekan Ramli, remain optimistic about the Malaysian national team’s potential, recent performances paint a stark picture. despite high expectations for both the 2020 AFF Cup and the 2022 AFF U-23 Cup, Malaysia failed to deliver, raising concerns about the team’s current standing in Southeast Asian football.
The 2020 AFF Cup saw Malaysia fall short of even reaching the semifinals. Coach Tan Cheng Hoe’s decision to call up Dion Cools, a descendant player competing in the Danish League, ultimately proved futile. malaysia was outmatched by regional powerhouses Vietnam and Indonesia, highlighting a significant gap in competitiveness.
The disappointment continued in the 2022 AFF U-23 Cup. Facing Laos in a crucial semifinal qualifier, the Young Tigers suffered a shocking defeat. Two consecutive losses, with scores of 1-2 and 0-2, sealed their fate, eliminating them from the tournament in the group stage with a humiliating 1-4 aggregate loss.
Dr. Ramli acknowledges the progress made by nations like Laos and Cambodia, recognizing their growing presence in Southeast Asian football. This rise coincides with a period of stagnation for Malaysia, prompting a critical evaluation of the national team’s development strategies and future prospects.
The recent struggles of the Malaysian national team underscore the need for a comprehensive assessment of its performance and a strategic overhaul to regain its competitive edge in the region. As Southeast Asian football continues to evolve, Malaysia must adapt and innovate to avoid falling further behind.
Southeast Asian Football: A Shifting Landscape
While traditional powerhouses like Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia remain prominent in Southeast Asian football, a new wave of contenders is emerging.Countries like Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia are rapidly closing the gap, demonstrating significant progress in youth development.
As noted by Ramli, quoted in Berita Harian, these rising teams are approaching the level of their more established counterparts. This shift was highlighted by the performance of the malaysian U-23 national team in the 2022 AFF U-23 Cup, a stark reminder that past glories cannot guarantee future success.
Ramli, who also heads the Sports Section of Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education, cautioned against complacency. He emphasized the need for continuous betterment, acknowledging that nations like Laos are making impressive strides.
The Malaysian Football Federation (FAM) has faced intense scrutiny for the national team’s recent struggles in both the 2022 AFF U-23 Cup and the 2020 AFF Cup. Critics point to FAM’s policies, such as naturalization and the allowance of five foreign players per club, as potential contributors to the decline in Malaysian football’s performance.
