ASEAN Cup 2026: Malaysia's Tough Squad Challenge

Interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe confirmed that midfielder Wan Kuzain has ended his journey in this year's tournament after his parent club Sporting JAX recalled the 27-year-old to the United States. According to Tan Cheng Hoe, Wan Kuzain departed for the U.S. on August 8, just one day after Malaysia played their final group-stage match against the Philippines. The absence of the midfielder, who was born in Illinois, further thins Malaysia's midfield, especially with player Aliff Haiqal Lau also dealing with an injury.

"We are currently facing issues in midfield with Aliff Haiqal also injured. The current situation will certainly make things difficult for the team, especially in the middle of the park, while two or three other players are also dealing with injuries," said Tan Cheng Hoe. However, the Malaysian coach affirmed that the coaching staff must adapt to the current circumstances and build a game plan based on the remaining personnel: "The team's spirit and motivation remain very high ahead of the match against Vietnam." The absence of Wan Kuzain is a significant loss for the "Malayan Tigers," as the midfielder has been one of the standout players since he was first given a chance in the national team. Wan Kuzain made his debut in a 2-1 win over Myanmar, before scoring his first international goal with a brilliant free kick in a 4-0 victory over Laos.

In addition to Wan Kuzain, the Malaysian national team is reportedly set to be without Endrick Dos Santos, Jimmy Raymond, Fazrul Amir Zaman, and Aliff Haiqal Lau for the remainder of the tournament. Furthermore, the availability of Engku Shakir Engku Yacob is also uncertain. Engku Shakir may only return in time for the second-leg semi-final at My Dinh Stadium on August 19, depending on his recovery from injury. Additionally, Mohamadou Sumareh is also not guaranteed to play as he has not yet reached peak fitness.

The growing list of injuries has forced coach Tan Cheng Hoe to face difficult personnel decisions as the Malaysian team prepares to host Vietnam in the first leg of the semi-final at Kuala Lumpur Stadium on August 16.