U22 Malaysia made a hot statement about U22 Vietnam, wanting the 33rd SEA Games gold medal

Defender Alif Ahmad of U22 Malaysia declared that he can catch up with the level of U22 Vietnam, wants to win the gold medal in men's football at SEA Games 33.

U22 Malaysia rookie Alif Ahmad entered SEA Games 33 with the boldness of a young player eager to assert himself.

Right before the opening match against U22 Laos (4:00 p.m. on December 6), the 22-year-old defender sent a strong message: U22 Malaysia is not afraid of any opponent , including U22 Vietnam - a candidate for the 2025 SEA Games gold medal in Thailand .

Defender Alif Ahmad. Photo: FAM

Alif Ahmad described the SEA Games as not just a tournament, but an opportunity to mark the appearance of himself and the Malaysian youth team on the regional football map.

“The preparation is good. Everything is focused on the opening match against Laos. We are ready , ” Alif said.

During the preparation for the 2025 SEA Games, U22 Malaysia only played friendly matches with domestic clubs . Alif Ahmad affirmed that this did not affect the team's concentration.

Alif and his teammates watched U22 Vietnam beat U22 Laos 2-1 in the first match of Group A men's football.

“I watched Vietnam and Laos play . If we look at tactics, we can definitely catch up with them , ” he confidently declared.

Alif set a goal that any team would want: 3 points in the opening match.

“We did not come here to accept a draw. The target is three points against Laos, and we will do everything to achieve it.”

Furthermore, U22 Malaysia has the ambition to win the SEA Games gold medal , something they have not been able to do since their last victory in 2011.

“ The ultimate goal is to be champions ,” said Alif . “ But it has to be step by step… Laos first, then the rest of the opponents. That’s how we get to the top . ”

U22 Malaysia aims for the 33rd SEA Games gold medal. Photo: FAM

Despite recent controversies over Malaysia's preparations, Alif insists the dressing room remains united.

“We will do our best , step by step, match by match, starting with Laos . U22 Malaysia has many strengths. The current players are all very talented, and I believe in the team's ability to compete . ”

Malaysia U22 will participate in the SEA Games with the core of the squad that just competed in the 2026 AFC U23 Championship qualifiers, with stars such as Fergus Tierney - a player born in Scotland, or Aliff Izwan . Both have played for the national team.

After the opening match against U22 Laos, coach Nafuzi Zain and his team will face U22 Vietnam on December 11 at Rajamangala Stadium , considered the "group final" .

This year's SEA Games only selects the group winners and the second-place team with the best record to enter the semi-finals, so each match can decide fate.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/sao-u22-malaysia-tuyen-bo-khong-so-u22-viet-nam-sea-games-33-2469699.html