Malaysia are in Group B and aim to win both matches against Laos on Dec. 6 and Vietnam on Dec. 11 to advance to the semifinals. According to the tournament’s new format, only the group winners and the second-placed team with the best record will advance.
Evaluating Malaysia’s preparation, Nasir, a 70-year-old former Malaysian international who played for the national team from 1975 to 1984, told New Straits Times that he is not too hopeful when the team face strong opponents like Vietnam.
“I’m worried about our ability to overcome Vietnam,” he said. “They’re a tough side, and our U23 team haven’t shown enough in recent qualifiers to inspire confidence.”
Malaysia U22 players train at Sime Darby Stadium in Shah Alam, Malaysia on Nov. 28, 2025, to prepare for SEA Games 33. Photo by FAM |
Nasir cited the team’s recent elimination from both the 2025 ASEAN U23 Championship and the 2026 U23 Asian Cup qualifiers as proof for the poor preparation. He criticized the late gathering, which started on Nov. 25 and the lack of international friendlies, deeming the current team “not ready”.
“After those two tournaments, did the U23 team play friendly matches abroad to fix weaknesses? No,” he added. Everyone is in the dark about Nafuzi’s team as there have been no press conferences. We don’t know what the team are doing – only when they play in tournaments. The players were only called up on Nov. 25, which is very late.”
Despite his skepticism, Nasir considers his critique a motivation for the players.
“If people say they won’t make the semi-finals, then prove us wrong. Play your hearts out,” he said.
Forward Haqimi Azim Rosli told New Straits Times that playing Vietnam will be tough, but Malaysia cannot underestimate Laos.
“Vietnam are a strong team. They’ve qualified for the Asian Cup and are the AFF champions. But we’re focusing on our opening match against Laos first,” said Azim, who will make his second SEA Games appearance this December.
The 23-man squad, however, face a lack of experience, featuring only six players from the top-tier Malaysia Super League, with the remainder playing in the second division.
In contrast to Malaysia’s preparation, rivals like Vietnam trained with Qatar and competed in the friendly tournament U22 Panda Cup (against China, South Korea, Uzbekistan), while Laos’s core players gained valuable experience in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.
Malaysia’s last appearance in the men’s football final was the 2017 SEA Games on home soil, and their most recent gold medal was at the 2011 SEA Games in Indonesia.
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