FIFA ASEAN Cup: Syahmi Hopes 2019 GBK Win Can Spark Another Malaysia Upset Over Indonesia

JAKARTA, Sept 27 (Bernama) -- National defender Muhammad Syahmi Safari hopes the memory of defeating Indonesia at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium here in 2019 can boost the team’s confidence ahead of their second Group A match in Division 1 of the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup tomorrow.

He said although he was not fielded when Malaysia clinched a 3-2 victory at the Garuda team’s home ground seven years ago, just being a part of the squad that night remains one of the best memories of his career.

“Of course, I still remember the memory from 2019, and it was one of the best experiences of my career as a footballer. Although I did not play that night, I could feel the atmosphere and the intensity of the match.

“The 2019 memory can certainly give me and the team a confidence boost, but we must understand that Indonesia are a different team now, and so are we. I think tomorrow’s match will be an interesting one,” he told the Malaysian media here today.

Only Muhammad Syahmi and another defender, La’Vere Corbin-Ong, from the 2019 squad are in the team that travelled to Jakarta this time.

When the two teams met seven years ago, Malaysian twice came back from behind for a dramatic win in front of more than 50,000 passionate Indonesian supporters.

Naturalised player Mohamadou Sumareh emerged as the hero with a brace, including the winner, while Muhammad Syafiq Ahmad chipped in with another goal.

However, the victory also led to some tense and anxious moments for the national supporters and team, as they faced a hostile atmosphere before, during and after the match.

Malaysian supporters were attacked by fanatical home fans, who rioted and threw objects towards their seating area, while the national players and officials had to travel in armoured vehicles back to their hotel after the match for security reasons.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Syahmi believes the national players can handle the pressure that comes with playing at the GBK, which is expected to be packed to the rafters with home supporters, with every Harimau Malaya player well aware of theri respective roles and duties.

“All the players here are the best and also have their own experiences. I don’t think it will be a problem for every player to give his best so that we can get a positive result. If given the opportunity, I will surely do my best as well,” said the 28-year-old.

After taking on Indonesia, Malaysia, who opened their campaign with a 3-0 win over Bangladesh on Friday (Sept 25), will complete their group fixtures against Singapore at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung on Thursday (Oct 1).

-- BERNAMA