After seven years of waiting, midfielder Wan Kuzain earns his first senior national team call-up ahead of the ASEAN Cup 2026
SEPANG: After waiting almost seven years for the opportunity to represent Malaysia, midfielder Wan Kuzain Wan Ahmad Kamal admitted he has not been able to stop smiling since arriving at the Harimau Malaya training camp ahead of the ASEAN Cup 2026.
The United States-based player described his maiden senior national team call-up as a dream come true and is eager to repay the faith placed in him by delivering strong performances in national colours.
“It’s been a long time coming. I don’t think I’ve stopped smiling since I’ve been here, it’s just a great feeling to represent your country and I just can’t wait to get started…hopefully I will make my debut in a couple of days.
“I’m ready to put on some good performances, show the country and not only them but myself what I’ve been waiting to do for this whole time. They can expect some good things for sure,” he said.
The Sporting JAX player told reporters this before flying to Yangon ahead of Malaysia’s first ASEAN Cup 2026 game against Myanmar at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1, here, today.
Despite missing key players for the ASEAN Cup 2026, Wan Kuzain, however, believes the current Harimau Malaya squad has a healthy blend of experienced and young players, giving the team a solid platform to compete in the regional tournament.
Reflecting on his football upbringing in the United States, the 27-year-old said he hopes to bring a never-give-up mentality to the national team as he believed every match presents an opportunity regardless of the opponent.
He also looked back on the disappointment of missing the 2019 SEA Games due to documentation issues, describing it as a difficult moment in his footballing career before.
“To not be able to represent the country like I thought I was going to be able to was obviously hard but it’s all about timing and if my time is now, well, let’s make it the best time then,” he said.
In the meantime, Wan Kuzain said he had received offers from Malaysian clubs previously but is currently happy to continue his career in the United States.
However, he did not rule out the possibility of playing in the Malaysian league in the future should the right offer come along.
Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan FC player Azri Ghani admitted that the battle for the Harimau Malaya’s first-choice goalkeeper spot with fellow custodians Rahadiazli Rahalim and Haziq Aiman Esa has been a healthy one, stressing that whoever gets the nod must make the most of the opportunity for the good of the team.
Although he does not know who will be selected to start against Myanmar, the 27-year-old said he is ready to give his very best if entrusted with the role and hopes to help the national team open their campaign with a victory.
Azri also called on his teammates to give their all on the pitch against Myanmar while saying that a strong collective performance would enable Tan Cheng Hoe’s side to secure all three points in their opening match.
Besides Myanmar, Malaysia have been drawn in Group B alongside Laos, Thailand and the Philippines.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals of the ASEAN Cup 2026.
The ASEAN Cup 2026 will run from tomorrow to Aug 26.
