Loading...
Loading...
https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/five-stars-world-cup-qualifying-watch-asian-cup
Asian Cup: FIFA lists Arif Aiman as one of the five players to focus on
Arif Aiman (left) during the AFC Champions League 2022 round of 16 match between JDT and Urawa Red Diamonds at Saitama 2002 Stadium, Japan, August 19, 2022
The International Football Federation (FIFA) has listed Harimau Malaya's young star, Arif Aiman Hanapi, as one of the five players who need to be focused on in the Asian Cup in Qatar next month.
The governing body, in their official website, lists Arif Aiman along with four other Asian stars, namely Junya Ito (Japan), Cho Gue-sung (South Korea), Harry Souttar (Australia) and Harib Abdalla (United Arab Emirates).
"Malaysia is now a new stable power in the Southeast Asian region. Harimau Malaya had only won three of 10 games before the arrival of South Korean coach Kim Pan-gon, but they went on to win 18 of their last 27 games," said FIFA.
"They also started the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign brilliantly by winning the first two matches. Most stole the show as they came from 1-3 down in the last 20 minutes before beating Kyrgyzstan 4-3 in the opening game.
"The mainstay of that success was Arif Aiman, who made three assists in the dramatic victory.
"The 21-year-old player has also been in top form with Malaysian giants Johor (Darul Ta'zim), producing eight goals and 13 assists from 23 matches this season.
"He started to shine after scoring a goal against Borussia Dortmund in a friendly action at the end of last year and continued to develop into one of the most interesting prospects for Malaysia."
Asian Cup: FIFA lists Arif Aiman as one of the five players to focus on
Arif Aiman (left) during the AFC Champions League 2022 round of 16 match between JDT and Urawa Red Diamonds at Saitama 2002 Stadium, Japan, August 19, 2022
The International Football Federation (FIFA) has listed Harimau Malaya's young star, Arif Aiman Hanapi, as one of the five players who need to be focused on in the Asian Cup in Qatar next month.
The governing body, in their official website, lists Arif Aiman along with four other Asian stars, namely Junya Ito (Japan), Cho Gue-sung (South Korea), Harry Souttar (Australia) and Harib Abdalla (United Arab Emirates).
"Malaysia is now a new stable power in the Southeast Asian region. Harimau Malaya had only won three of 10 games before the arrival of South Korean coach Kim Pan-gon, but they went on to win 18 of their last 27 games," said FIFA.
"They also started the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign brilliantly by winning the first two matches. Most stole the show as they came from 1-3 down in the last 20 minutes before beating Kyrgyzstan 4-3 in the opening game.
"The mainstay of that success was Arif Aiman, who made three assists in the dramatic victory.
"The 21-year-old player has also been in top form with Malaysian giants Johor (Darul Ta'zim), producing eight goals and 13 assists from 23 matches this season.
"He started to shine after scoring a goal against Borussia Dortmund in a friendly action at the end of last year and continued to develop into one of the most interesting prospects for Malaysia."
Loading...