Malaysia's latest naturalized player has clear roots

Ghanaian-born player Jordan Mintah has been called up to the Malaysian national team to prepare for two matches in the third qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup against Laos.

Jordan Mintah was called up to the Malaysian national team for the first time.

The 30-year-old first arrived in Malaysia in 2017 when he signed for Terengganu FC. Since then, he has played for various teams such as UiTM, Terengganu FC II, Kuala Lumpur City and is currently a mainstay of Kuching City FC.

After nearly 5 years of continuous playing in Malaysia - eligible for naturalization according to FIFA regulations, Mintah was granted citizenship by the Malaysian government in August 2025. Unlike the group of 7 players suspended by FIFA due to the naturalization scandal, according to The Star, Mintah had a legal and transparent naturalization process.

Mintah has no Malaysian roots, but is loved by fans for his powerful playing style, professionalism and impressive goalscoring record. Since arriving in Southeast Asia, he has scored over 60 goals in all competitions, including 30 in just two seasons with Terengganu FC II, at the height of his career.

With his speed, positioning and instinctive one-touch finishing, the Ghanaian is expected to help "Harimau Malaysia" fill the void left by Paulo Josue Figueiredo and Sergio Holgado - two top naturalised strikers, after their 12-month suspension by FIFA.

According to the plan, the Malaysian team will travel to Vientiane (Laos) to gather from October 6 to 8, before facing the host team at the New Laos National Stadium on October 9. The return match will take place at Bukit Jalil Stadium (Kuala Lumpur) on October 14.

Source: https://znews.vn/cau-thu-nhap-tich-moi-nhat-cua-malaysia-co-goc-gac-ro-rang-post1590626.html