Luqman Hakim Joins Harimau Malaya Training Camp, Replaces Jordan Mintah

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- Negeri Sembilan FC's Luqman Hakim Shamsudin has been called up to join the Harimau Malaya training camp ahead of their Group F match against Nepal in the 2027 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup Qualifiers next Tuesday (Nov 18).

The national team said that the former junior international replaces Kuching City FC's Jordan Mintah.

"Luqman Hakim has been called up to join the centralised training camp to replace Jordan Mintah, who has left camp due to health issues,” the national team posted on the official Malaysia NT Facebook page today.

The 23-year-old last donned the national jersey during a friendly against Singapore in March 2022.

The Harimau Malaya squad began their eight-day centralised training camp yesterday in preparation for the return-leg match against Nepal at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil here.

Malaysia had defeated Nepal 2-0 in the first leg at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Iskandar Puteri, Johor, in March.

The Harimau Malaya, under the guidance of coach Peter Cklamovski, are sitting pretty at the top of the four-team standings with a perfect record of four consecutive wins, including seeing off Vietnam, their nearest challengers, 4-0 in June.

Malaysia top the group with 12 points, followed by Vietnam (nine points), Laos (three points) and Nepal, with no points.

Only the group champions will qualify for the Finals to be held in Saudi Arabia in January 2027.

-- BERNAMA