Asia Cup resembles a mini World Cup – Hamidin

DOHA - Excitement buzzes in the air as the Harimau Malaya prepares to face Jordan in their opening match of the Asian Cup's Group E at Al Janoub Stadium.

Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) President Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin ignited the players' spirit on Saturday, declaring this "Mini World Cup" a golden opportunity for them to make history.

"This Asian Cup is like a Mini World Cup because it is the highest stage in Asia, where we have only qualified for the final round on merit after waiting for 43 years.

"Malaysia's performance in the Asian Cup in the three previous editions was only at the group stage in 1976 and 1980 and in 2007 (qualified as co-host).

"So, this is the best opportunity for us to create another history, advancing to the knockout stage for the first time," he said while attending the Harimau Malaya squad training session at Qatar University on Saturday.

He stressed that this Asian Cup stage should be used effectively by all players and considered it the last Asian championship they would participate in.

"For some players, especially senior players, consider this as the most important stage for you to give your best performance because you may not have the chance to play again in the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia," he said.