SEPANG: The national team’s AFF Suzuki Cup win after 14 years is the best New Year gift to the people of Malaysia said Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.
HEROES’ WELCOME: Malaysian football player Safee Sali (front) part of the victorious Malaysian football team arriving with the AFF Suzuki Cup trophy at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Malaysians celebrated their first win at a regional football tournament in more than a decades. — AFP photo
“This is a great New Year present for football fans and the people,” said Ahmad Shabery after arriving at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) together with the national team here yesterday.
Upon arrival, the team led by K Rajagobal was greeted by about 3,000 fans who were wearing the national team jerseys and holding the national flag ‘Jalur Gemilang’.
Malaysia who won the first leg final 3-0 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, won the title on a 4-2 aggregate after losing 1-2 to Indonesia in the second leg final at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
Ahmad Shabery who was among those who witnessed the historic win last night said the players had shown tremendous fighting spirit and fought tooth and nail for the win.
“They were not only facing their opponents on the field but also the fans and mental pressure since there were many aspects that could have distracted their focus throughout the 90 minutes,” he said.
He added that the win was not the end but the beginning of bigger challenges to come.
As for incentives, Ahmad Shabery said he would discuss the prospect with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Meanwhile, Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) secretary-general Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad said the players must not get carried away with the win or rest on their laurels.
“They must avoid resting on their laurels if they want to succeed and strengthen their position in the region. I do not want it to be just a short term success but one that can continue to hoist the status of Malaysian football.
“Do not be too confident after the win. We need to work harder to maintain the kind of positive support received from the fans,” he said when met at KLIA. — Bernama