Mohd Nafuzi Hails Harimau Muda’s Fight Despite 10-man Loss To Thailand

From Ahmad Nazrin Syahmi Mohamad Arif

BANGKOK, Dec 16 (Bernama) -- National Under-23 (U-23) head coach Mohd Nafuzi Zain praised the character and discipline shown by his players despite Malaysia’s 0-1 defeat to Thailand in the men’s football semi-finals of the SEA Games Thailand 2025 here, last night.

Mohd Nafuzi said his team’s performance at Rajamangala National Stadium was different from their earlier matches, with the Harimau Muda managing to control the game and build confidence from the early minutes.

However, the momentum of the match shifted after right-back Muhammad Aiman Yusuf Muhammad Nabil was shown a red card in the 16th minute, a situation which Mohd Nafuzi said was difficult to avoid given the player’s young age and lack of experience.

“Thailand are the favourites and if you compare the players, there is a clear difference in quality between Malaysia and Thailand, with Thailand having the edge. However, from the early stages we managed the game well, controlled possession and tried to dominate to build our confidence.

“The match changed after we were reduced to 10 players. I cannot blame the player involved as he is still young, only 19 years old and lacking experience. This is part of his learning process and it will benefit him in the future because he is a talented player,” he told a post-match press conference, here.

In yesterday’s match, Thailand’s decisive goal came in the eighth minute, when Yotsakon Burapha curled a free kick from just outside the penalty area past goalkeeper Sharani Zulhilmi at his near post.

Despite playing with 10 men for almost 80 minutes, Mohd Nafuzi praised his side’s improved defensive organisation and their ability to continue creating chances.

“Our defensive organisation was different from previous matches and despite being a man down, we were still able to create opportunities,” the 45-year-old coach said.

The defeat means Malaysia who endured a difficult build-up to the Games due to player release issues and injuries, will meet the Philippines in the bronze medal playoff on Thursday.

The Philippines were beaten 2-0 by Vietnam in the other semi-final here, yesterday.

Malaysia were eliminated at the group stage at the 2023 edition in Cambodia after losing the bronze medal playoff at the 2021 edition in Hanoi.

The last time the national squad finished on the podium was when they won the silver medal at the 2017 edition in Kuala Lumpur.

-- BERNAMA