Why did Malaysia rush back home because its stepfather passed away and was absent from the big match against U.23 Vietnam?

On December 7, Haqimi Azim Rosli's stepfather, Shahrol Asikin Shariff, suffered a stroke. His condition is critical and is being closely monitored by doctors. Haqimi Azim Rosli was informed of the incident but he could not return home because the U.23 Malaysia team is about to have an important match in the group stage of the 33rd SEA Games, against U.23 Vietnam (December 11).

However, on the morning of December 9, Haqimi Azim Rosli received notice that his stepfather had passed away. On his personal page, the U.23 Malaysia star confirmed the incident by sharing: "I want to inform everyone that my father passed away this morning."

“His passing has been a big surprise and difficult for our family, but we believe it was Allah’s will. I ask everyone to pray for our late father – may Allah forgive his sins, accept all his deeds and grant him a wonderful rest. At the same time, please pray for our family to have more courage and strength to overcome this difficult time. Thank you everyone for your prayers and support,” Haqimi Azim Rosli said.

Sao Malaysia tức tốc về nước vì cha dượng qua đời, vắng mặt trận đại chiến U.23 Việt Nam?- Ảnh 1. — Haqimi Azim Rosli (7) has now left the team to return to Malaysia

Haqimi Azim Rosli has left the team and returned to Malaysia.

According to Malaysian media, the U.23 Malaysia coaching staff was also informed about the incident. At the same time, head coach Nafuzi Zain also agreed to let Haqimi Azim Rosli return to his homeland to attend the funeral.

On page X at noon on December 9, journalist Zulhelmi Zainal Azam of Astro Arena channel confirmed: “Haqimi Azim Rosli has been allowed to return to his homeland to attend the funeral, after the Zohor prayer ceremony. The player wearing the number 7 shirt of U.23 Malaysia left the team in a hurry and is now at the airport. I hope everything goes well for Haqimi Azim Rosli.”

After 2 matches in Group B, SEA Games 33, U.23 Malaysia currently has 3 points, equal to U.23 Vietnam. However, the young players of the "Malaysian Tigers" are temporarily ranked higher due to a better goal difference (+3 compared to +1). In the final match, taking place on December 11, U.23 Malaysia will compete with U.23 Vietnam to determine the top spot, as well as determine the ticket to the semi-finals.

Before the important match of U.23 Malaysia, Metro page commented: “Haqimi Azim Rosli was honored as the best player of the match before helping Malaysia beat Laos 4-1 in the opening match. After 3 points in that match, all attention immediately turned to the match with U.23 Vietnam. However, with the recent incident, it is highly likely that Haqimi Azim Rosli will be absent from this “group final” match.

This will be a difficult problem for coach Nafuzi Zain in changing the attacking scheme against U.23 Vietnam. In addition to the absence of the star with a big change, Haqimi Azim Rosli, on the opposite wing, striker Fergus Tierney is also definitely not present.