Football: Cheng Hoe moves fast to plug injury gaps for Asean Cup
National interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe announced a reshuffle of Malaysia’s 23‑man squad for the FIFA ASEAN Cup on Thursday after three players were ruled out through injury, naming Selangor centre‑back Harith Haiqal,…
Source: The Star · September 28, 2026 at 8:32 PM · AI-assisted report
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JAKARTA’S GELORA BUNG KARNO STADIUM, 29 SEPTEMBER 2026 —
National interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe announced a reshuffle of Malaysia’s 23‑man squad for the FIFA ASEAN Cup on Thursday after three players were ruled out through injury, naming Selangor centre‑back Harith Haiqal, Selangor midfielder Syahir Bashah and Kuala Lumpur striker Paulo Josue as replacements as the team departs for Indonesia.
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The changes come after full‑back Faris Danish Mohd Asrul of Johor Darul Ta’zim II was withdrawn with a calf problem, PSM Makassar midfielder Sergio Aguero was sidelined after picking up an injury in the Hyundai Cup and Terengganu striker Romel Morales was omitted because of a hamstring strain.
Cheng Hoe said the three were “not at 100 per cent” and that the incoming players would fill the gaps, adding that Syahir “will be here for the first time but we have seen his performances for Selangor, so I believe he will be a good addition to our squad.”
The Harimau Malaya open their campaign against Bangladesh at Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Friday. Malaysia have been drawn in Group A with hosts Indonesia, Singapore and invited guests Bangladesh, with only the group winner advancing directly to the final and the runners‑up contesting a third‑fourth place playoff.
Cheng Hoe warned that the opening match against Bangladesh should not be underestimated, describing every group game as a “50‑50 battle” and stressing that “any coach entering a tournament aims for victory, but this competition will be unique.”
In addition to the injury replacements, Cheng Hoe highlighted the impact of recent JDT inclusions – striker Bergson Da Silva, defender Bradley Tapp and winger Manuel Hidalgo – saying they have injected fresh impetus, particularly up front. He noted that “Bergson is a proven goalscorer who integrates seamlessly with the local players, while Tapp brings physical strength and defensive stability,” underscoring the blend of experience and new energy in the squad.
The interim coach’s remarks on his own tenure were brief. When asked whether a strong showing could see his interim tag removed, Cheng Hoe replied that the decision rests with the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM). “I leave my position entirely to FAM management; my immediate duty is strictly focused on this FIFA ASEAN Cup campaign,” he said at a press conference held at the Hilton Hotel in Petaling Jaya.
The squad’s departure for Indonesia was confirmed as the three new players – Harith Haiqal, Syahir Bashah and Paulo Josue – join the team on the same day. Their inclusion completes the revised 23‑man roster that will travel to Jakarta for the tournament’s opening fixtures.
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