LUQMAN HAKIM'S RETURN TO HARIMAU MALAYA SQUAD BRINGS CHEERS TO HARITH HAIQAL

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 (Bernama) -- Defender Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar admitted he was happy with the presence of Negeri Sembilan FC striker Luqman Hakim Shamsudin, who was recalled to the Harimau Malaya squad ahead of the match against Nepal in the Group F Qualifiers for the 2027 Asian Cup on Nov 18.

Harith Haiqal is optimistic that Luqman Hakim's presence can add value to the team guided by Peter Cklamovski throughout the central training camp, which started on Nov 10, for the fifth Group F match at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, here.

"Honestly, I am happy to have him back in our national team. So hopefully he gets a chance (to play with Harimau Malaya) and if he gets a chance, he will give his best," he told reporters here today.

The last time Luqman Hakim donned the national team jersey was in a friendly match against Singapore in March 2022.

The Selangor FC player also said he is ready to play if given the opportunity, including alongside Matthew Davies, who has been re-listed after being sidelined due to a previous injury.

The last time Davies played for Harimau Malaya was when Malaysia thrashed Vietnam 4-0 in the fourth match of the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers last June.

In the meantime, Harith Haiqal said the current training camp was progressing smoothly and the players are also showing good commitment in preparation for the next match against Nepal.

Malaysia defeated Nepal 2-0 in the first match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Iskandar Puteri, Johor, last March.

Malaysia currently top Group F with 12 points, followed by Vietnam (9 points), Laos (3 points), and Nepal at the bottom without any points.

Only the group winners qualify for the final round scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia starting January 2027.

-- BERNAMA