Malaysian striker determined not to let Vietnam team 'settle the debt'

Malaysian national team striker Paulo Josue once hoped to conclude his international career with a beautiful ending after the 2027 Asian Cup. But now, that dream has shattered.

Malaysia's chance to secure a spot in the 2027 Asian Cup has ended, even though they still have one final match against the Vietnam team at Thiên Trường Stadium on March 31 to conclude their Group F campaign in the qualifiers.

The reason is that the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) deducted 6 points from Malaysia for using an ineligible player in their 2-0 win against Nepal and 4-0 win against Vietnam last year, making the final match almost meaningless.

Even if Malaysia defeats the Vietnam team, they will still only finish second in the group, while Vietnam secures qualification for next year's Asian Cup.

At 37 years old, Josue admits he is very disappointed that recent developments have altered his plans: "I was very eager to play in another Asian Cup."

In 2023, Malaysia under coach Kim Pan-gon secured qualification for the Asian Cup, where they drew 3-3 with South Korea in the group stage. In that match, Josue assisted Romel Morales' goal in stoppage time. Earlier, Malaysia lost 0-4 to Jordan and 0-1 to Bahrain.

"I was at the final stage of my career and once thought I would retire after the upcoming Asian Cup, but now everything has changed."

Despite the team's uncertain future, Josue still hopes for more opportunities, especially when the new FIFA ASEAN Cup is scheduled to start in September.

"I just hope there won't be any further repercussions and the international match schedule will continue for the next few years. If so, I can continue contributing to the national team.

I will be 42 years old at the 2031 Asian Cup. That's five years away, so nothing can be predicted."

Josue hopes the younger players will mature soon: "I will play as long as I have the opportunity, but I hope new strikers will emerge and wear the national team jersey with pride."

I hope players from U17, U18, and U19 will become the next generation to bring Malaysia to the 2031 Asian Cup."

Despite the scandal involving the ineligible player, Josue remains focused: "The only way to overcome negativity is to go out and play, giving your best in matches or training.

Handling these issues belongs to the management. The players' duty is to play. What I do is support my teammates in the national team."

Josue also expressed gratitude for being recalled by coach Peter Cklamovski and hopes to make his 28th appearance when facing the Vietnam team.

"This training camp is a bit different. There aren't many strikers but many defenders, so we might play defensively and counterattack quickly.

The Vietnam team definitely wants revenge. Regardless of any issues, we will fight with all our strength."

Josue believes Malaysia still has many talents in attack like Safawi Rasid, Luqman Hakim Shamsuddin, and Faisal Halim: "Safawi is one of the best players in the domestic league, Luqman is improving, and Faisal has regained his high form.

We may not have many strikers, but the current ones are all of high quality."