Performance In Jakarta Boosts Squad's Confidence Ahead Of China, Yemen Matches - Ubaidullah

SEPANG, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- The national squad’s positive performance at the recent 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup in Jakarta has boosted their confidence ahead of two Tier 1 international friendlies against China and Yemen on Nov 14 and 17 respectively, according to defender Muhammad Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili.

He said the achievement had motivated the team to continue improving their performance, although the current squad comprised a different group of players.

“The performance at the ASEAN Cup has motivated us to keep moving forward. This is also an opportunity for the other players and myself to prove the quality we have,” he told reporters at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 here today.

The Terengganu FC player said the team would strive to earn points from both matches, which he described as important in preparations for the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.

China are ranked 96th in the world, Malaysia 133rd and Yemen 144th.

Malaysia have failed to win any of their last five meetings with China in all competitions since 2004, recording three defeats and two draws, while they have registered three victories over Yemen.

The last meeting between Malaysia and China in 2023, in an international friendly, ended in a 1-1 draw.

Commenting on the readiness of the defence, Muhammad Ubaidullah said there was no significant difference among the players as most of them had previously been part of the national training camps.

“We already have the understanding among us. The selection of players for the matches is up to the coach, and I believe whoever is given the opportunity will give 100 per cent,” said the 23-year-old.

Malaysia, under interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe, finished third in the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup unbeaten, recording three wins and one draw, while scoring 10 goals without conceding any.

In the inaugural edition of the tournament, the national squad defeated Bangladesh 3-0, drew 0-0 with Indonesia, thrashed Singapore 6-0 and secured a 1-0 victory over Vietnam.

-- BERNAMA