Football

Malaysian University players' skills are sharpened through local A3 Community League. They will be one of four visiting teams at the first International Student Football Tournament 2025. Photo courtesy of UiTM United

HCM CITY — The Malaysian University are relying on their expertise, shown by some high quality players, to take home the title of the first International Student Football Tournament 2025.

Coach Mohd Yazli Yahya is fielding a strong squad for Việt Nam with many of his student-players from UiTM United and MUFT playing in the A3 Community League, a 16-side tournament organised by Amateur Football League Malaysia (AFL).

During the tournament, players will have a total of 30 matches to put those skills to the tests, more play time if they also take part in the training camp and any friendly matches.

Their coach Yahya is also manager of UiTM United FC, one of a big names in the AFL, with 13 titles in their cabinet. 

The advantage of the Malaysia University team is their strong stamina, which is a base for them to request for 90-minute matches, instead of 80 minutes under the current regulations.

Coach Yahya said his players were all equally capable, but there were stars who could change the situation or 'make' a match.

Among them are midfielder Zirky Bin Mohd Hafis who played for U23 squad of Selangor FC, which is currently second in the Malaysia Super League and captain Haziq Ubaidillah who is appreciated as an attacking midfielder.

Their background makes Malaysia a title candidate for the Việt Nam's tournament, the THACO Cup. 

Yahya said his team was established not only for this event, but also for the ASEAN University Games in 2026 when Malaysia is the host.

In their first time playing in an international tournament, so Yahya would give chance to play for as many players as possible to evaluate their quality, understanding and ability to connect with each other.

Meanwhile Yahya's playing plan is to push his Malaysia players to show their best in HCM City, ready to earn their place in the team at the regional University Games next year.

However, every team has its own difficulties.

In addition to not knowing much about their rivals Malaysia will face the challenge of artificial grass field at the Tôn Đức Thắng University's stadium as they are familiar with grass. The ball may bounce more on artificial turf, which can make it harder to control and can impact the game's flow.

The Malaysian team, which prefers small combination plays at high speeds, will need to possibly alter their tactics to compensate.

At the championship, Malaysian University will play teams from Laos, Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore and two teams, representing the hosts, from March 22-30 in HCM City. VNS