Malaysia Proud Even Though Can Only Hold The U-23 Indonesian National Team Series

JAKARTA - A draw marked the final match of the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup Group A phase. The U-23 vs Malaysia U-23 Indonesian Party ended with a score of 0-0 at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Monday, July 21, 2025, WIB night.

Although unable to bring full points, this draw was appreciated by Malaysia's coach, Muhammad Nafuzi Zain. He was proud that his team could appear to withstand the strength of the host.

Moreover, Nafuzi also explained that Malaysia U-23 had just been formed and the players were still minimally flying on the international stage. On the other hand, Nafuzi saw positive developments in his team.

"For this match, we can indeed be proud because we are not defeated. However, we are disappointed because we did not win."

"I'm sure we were actually able to win. However, I also understand the situation of our players. I am proud of the game shown. So, I think a lot can be learned," Nafuzi said during a press conference after the match, quoted on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

According to Nafuzi, one indicator of increasing player performance is the ability to hold back Indonesia U-23's draw which is predicted to win three points from the last match of the group phase.

"If we look at it, many predict that Indonesia U-23 will win. However, in fact we are not inferior, we can draw, it is quite positive. So, we have to learn from here," he said.

Nafuzi hopes that in the future Malaysia U-23 will be able to undergo better preparations, especially if the players are strengthened by players who lack experience.

"In terms of whole, I see a lot, especially in terms of preparation. We need to design better."

"Especially what I see here, we see many young players in the match against Indonesia U-23, maybe they still lack experience. Therefore, there needs to be maturity," said Nafuzi.

The results in this match made Malaysia fail to advance to the semifinals of the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup because it only ranked third in the final standings of Group A with four points.

Meanwhile, one point in this match brought the U-23 Indonesian national team to the semifinals with the status of group winners.