ASEAN Cup 2026: Malaysia captain sets target of earning points against Thailand

At 37 years old, captain Josue has scored 3 goals in the opening two matches of the "Malayan Tigers", including a brace in the 2-1 victory over Myanmar and a goal in the 4-0 win against Laos. However, the Brazilian-born naturalized striker does not believe he is challenging age limits. According to him, the trust of interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe is the foundation that allows him to perform at his best.

"I am grateful to the coach for entrusting me with the responsibility of leading the team as captain and striker. So far, everything is going smoothly," the player shared.

Josue's excellent form comes at a time when Malaysia is undergoing a generational transition, combining experienced players with young talents to compete for a spot in the knockout stage of the ASEAN Cup 2026.

Although his consecutive goals have made Josue a media focus, the striker still believes that one of his biggest responsibilities now is to support young players in their development both on and off the pitch.

According to Josue, the Malaysian team has many promising talents. He especially praises G. Pavithran, who has performed outstandingly in the last two matches, along with Ubaidullah Saifullah Usman.

"There are many players we can help to grow not only professionally but also in life. I believe the coach is the right person to guide them. I hope the whole team will continue to improve and create more surprises," he said.

Josue's role in the Malaysian team is not only reflected in the captain's armband. Since becoming a naturalized Malaysian in 2023, the Brazil-born player has become one of the influential voices in the dressing room.

Paulo Josue arrived in Malaysia in 2013 and has played there for over a decade. While with Kuala Lumpur City, he helped the team win the Malaysia Cup in 2021 and reach the inter-zone final of the AFC Cup in 2022.

His experience, versatility, and influence make him a reliable choice for the Malaysian team. He can take on the role of playmaker, create opportunities, and score goals himself.

After two matches, Malaysia has secured full 6 points and leads the group ahead of a difficult away trip to Thailand. Despite a perfect start, the Malaysian captain still calls on his teammates to remain cautious and strictly follow the coaching staff's tactics.

"We have to go there and give our best. Malaysia has 6 points and still leads the group. A draw against Thailand is not a bad result either," he said.

"The whole team needs to execute the coach's plan and try to earn more points. The beauty of football is that even the underdog can beat a strong opponent. We will wait and see what happens in Thailand," he added.

The clash with the "Land of Golden Pagodas" will be a crucial test for Malaysia's ambition to secure a knockout stage spot, while also testing the combination of experience from players like Josue with the youth of the next generation.