Jakarta, 14 July 2025: Malaysia U-23 head coach Nafuzi Zain is not underestimating the challenge of the Philippines as the two teams prepare to face each other at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Tuesday in the opening match of the ASEAN U-23 Mandiri Cup™ 2025.
Malaysia and the Philippines are in Group A with Brunei Darussalam and hosts Indonesia, who meet later on Tuesday in their first game of the tournament, a showcase for ASEAN football’s rising stars.
While much attention is focussed on his team’s final group game against Indonesia on 19 July, Nafuzi does not want to think beyond the clash against the Philippines, who are led by Australian Garrath McPherson.
“I think the challenge of playing the Philippines is very tough. Yes, people have been talking about our last group game against Indonesia, but I believe that our first game against the Philippines is also very challenging,” said the former coach of Malaysian club Terengganu FC.
“They are not an easy team to play against, especially when you look at the quality of the Philippines players, with some of them playing high level football in other countries. It will not be an easy game and we must be well prepared and we have to keep our focus, mentally and physically.”
Although he took charge of the Malaysia U-23s in January, the game against the Philippines is Nafuzi’s first competitive game with the team, and he is relishing the challenge of guiding his country’s best young players.
“I take it as a new challenge and something that will help us build our experience,” said the 47-year-old. “This should be a very exciting match and we must believe in ourselves, and to focus on what we need to do to.”
For McPherson, this tournament also represents a new challenge. Having served as an assistant coach with the Philippines Men’s and Women’s senior sides, the 42-year-old is looking forward to the task of leading the country’s best young football talent.
“The squad we've assembled is a group of 23 young men who we believe deserve an opportunity to show people what they can do and show the quality that they possess,” he said.
“The players we have involved include six or seven who are currently playing for their universities. That doesn't mean that they don’t have ability on the football field as well but their journey is a little bit different.
“We also have some players who have played for the national team that are here with us and we will rely on the field with players that have experience.
“All of these players add to our team and I look forward to seeing what they can do and to watch them seize their opportunity.”
The match kicks off at 5.00pm local time. Find out where you can watch the game LIVE here. You can also follow the action on @aseanutdfc on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, X and LinkedIn.
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