SEREMBAN: Muhammad Harith bin Samsuri of Negeri Sembilan FC (NSFC) has earned his first call-up to the Harimau Malaya national team, as head coach Pau Marti announced a 26-man preliminary squad for the upcoming AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup (AMEC) campaign, which kicks off on December 8.
The 24-year-old left-back was a standout player for NSFC’s U23 team last season, leading them in performances before being promoted to the senior squad this year. Under the guidance of head coach K. Nanthakumar, Harith has had a strong start to the season, making six appearances in the starting lineup during the last eight matchdays.
Despite not having previously been called up to any Harimau Malaya squad, Muhammad Harith is eager to make his senior debut. His inclusion comes after the absence of certain players from Johor Darul Takzim and Selangor FC, who are unavailable for the upcoming fixtures.
Harith, who signed a three-year contract with NSFC, is the only player from the club named in the national team’s preliminary squad.
For the upcoming tournament, Malaysia will compete in Group A alongside Thailand, four-time champions Singapore, Cambodia, and the winner of the qualifying match between Brunei and Timor-Leste. Group B will feature 2022 AFF Cup runners-up Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar, and Laos.
Malaysia’s first match in Group A will be against Cambodia at the Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh on December 8. The team will then return to Malaysia for their second match against Timor-Leste at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on December 11, before traveling to Bangkok for their third match against Thailand at the Rajamangala Stadium on December 14.
