KUANTAN, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- The national futsal team need a one- or two-month centralised training camp, along with a series of international friendlies to prepare for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 in Indonesia, said head coach Rakphol Sainetngam.
He stressed that his squad need greater exposure at the international level to match Asia’s elite, after Malaysia qualified for the continental finals despite a 0-4 defeat to powerhouse Iran in their final Group G qualifier at the SUKPA Indoor Stadium here last night.
“Maybe I will start in mid-October. If we want to compete with Asia’s best, we need thorough preparations and plenty of international matches to give the players exposure,” he told reporters after the match.
The Thai coach, who has led Malaysia for nearly three years, admitted his players were still adjusting to the demands of international competition but praised their fighting spirit against the top-ranked team in Asia.
“Of course, we lost to Iran, but I am very proud of my players. They gave their all,” he said.
Rakphol added that he would discuss this with the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) committee in an upcoming meeting, which will also deliberate on preparations for the SEA Games in Bangkok this December.
The 53-year-old coach, whose contract ends later this year, said his future would be decided after discussions with FAM.
“For now, I cannot speak (about my contract),” he said.
Rakphol also expressed gratitude to Malaysian fans who turned up in large numbers to cheer the team.
“Without the fans, the players would not have been able to give 1,000 per cent. It was not easy to play against Iran, but the players have already shown we can compete with high-level teams,” he said.
Malaysia had edged the UAE 1-0 in their opening tie before trouncing Bangladesh 7-1 in the second match.
The qualifying format sees the eight group winners and the seven best second-placed teams from the qualifiers joining hosts Indonesia in the Futsal Asian Cup Finals next January.
-- BERNAMA
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