Malaysian legend: I am pessimistic about the ability to overcome U22 Vietnam

TPO - Datuk Jamil Nasir, a famous Malaysian player, frankly stated that U22 Malaysia has very little chance of winning the gold medal in men's football at the 33rd SEA Games. Even in the first challenge against U22 Vietnam, U22 Malaysia was also considered to be at a disadvantage.

"Malaysia failed to win a medal in men's football at the 32nd SEA Games in Phnom Penh. This time it will probably be the same. They have to win both matches in the group stage to advance to the semi-finals. I am pessimistic about Malaysia's ability to overcome Vietnam. U22 Vietnam is a strong opponent. Our team has not performed well enough in recent matches to create trust," said Mr. Jamil.

"After the two previous tournaments (U23 ASEAN 2025 and U23 Asia 2026 qualifiers - PV), will U22 Malaysia play friendly matches with foreign teams to overcome weaknesses? The answer is no. Everyone does not know the situation of U22 Malaysia before SEA Games 33 because there has not been any press conference. We do not know what the team is doing and will only know at SEA Games 33," famous player Jamil continued to share.

The Malaysian football legend continued to criticize the country's Football Federation for its superficial preparations for the 33rd SEA Games. Specifically, the players were called up on November 25, a time that Jamil said was too late to prepare well for the 33rd SEA Games.

"Prove me wrong," he challenged. "Play your best and make it to the semi-finals."

The 33rd SEA Games are counting down the days to the opening ceremony in Bangkok. As always, men's football is the focus of the Southeast Asian Games. The competition for the most prestigious gold medal at the 33rd SEA Games is still limited to U22 Thailand, U22 Vietnam, U22 Indonesia and U22 Malaysia.

This year, the preparations of U22 Malaysia for the 33rd SEA Games are a mystery. Close to the opening day of the 33rd SEA Games, news about U22 Malaysia is almost "no news". Meanwhile, U22 Thailand, U22 Vietnam and U22 Indonesia all have made great preparations with friendly matches and team gathering plans deployed at least a month in advance.

U22 Malaysia will be in the same group with U22 Vietnam and U22 Laos. The group winner will go straight to the semi-finals. One of the three best runners-up will get the remaining ticket.

With both U22 Vietnam and U22 Malaysia, Group B is considered to have the most fierce and unpredictable competition.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/huyen-thoai-malaysia-toi-bi-quan-vao-kha-nang-vuot-qua-u22-viet-nam-post1800586.tpo