According to Malaysia U-23 midfielder Nik Akif Syahiran Nik Mat, playing at the 2018 AFC U-23 Championship was beneficial to his young career.
The 18-year-old, who was recently promoted to Kelantan's senior squad for the upcoming Malaysian Super League season, featured twice at the tournament, including in the Tigers' quarter-final defeat to South Korea.
Although he did not get to shine much, Nik Akif said it would be valuable experience for him, especially if he gets to play at this year's AFC U-19 Championship.
The tournament, which Malaysia qualified for alongside South Korea and ahead of Timor-Leste and Brunei in their qualification group last year, will be held from October 18 to November 4 in Indonesia.
"[The AFC U-23 Championship] was the first time I played for the U-23 team and I gained a lot of experience including in terms of tactics," he said.
"When I play for the national U-19 team, I will do my best and fight until the end."
Besides the U-19 competition, Nik Akif also wished to play at the 2018 Asian Games, linking up with Ong Kim Swee's team again.
"I hope to be called up again for the national U-23 team," he added.
Seng Foo Lee
Wed Jan 24 2018
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