KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor FC defender Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar and Johor Darul Ta’zim II goalkeeper Muhammad Haziq Aiman Mohd Esa are among the newcomers called up by Harimau Malaya head coach Pau Marti Vicente for the 2024 ASEAN Championship from Sunday (Dec 8)-Jan 5, 2025.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) announced that Harith Haiqal, 22, will replace Negeri Sembilan FC’s 24-year-old Muhammad Harith Samsuri, who is sidelined due to injury. Meanwhile, Haziq Aiman, 19, will step in for Terengganu FC’s 23-year-old Muhammad Rahadiazli Rahalim, who is facing health issues.

FAM also indicated that 19-year-old Mohammad Haykal Danish Mohd Haizon, from Selangor FC’s Under-23 squad, has been called up as a precautionary measure to join the Harimau Malaya squad in case of emergencies or injuries to other players.

Additionally, FAM stated that the final 26-player roster for the 2024 ASEAN Championship campaign will be finalized on Saturday (Dec 7), just a day before Malaysia’
s Group A opening match against Cambodia at the Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh.

The Harimau Malaya squad is scheduled to face Timor-Leste at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Wednesday (Dec 11), defending champions Thailand in Bangkok on December 14, and Singapore at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on December 20.

Malaysia previously won the tournament, which was formerly known as the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Cup, in 2010.