SEPANG, Nov 12 (Bernama) -- Naturalised striker Sergio Aguero is determined to secure his spot in the Harimau Malaya squad as they gear up for the 2024 ASEAN Championship scheduled to kick off next month.
The Sri Pahang FC player expressed his excitement and reflected on the pride he felt representing Malaysia in the last edition of the biennial tournament two years ago, where the team reached the semi-finals, and he scored twice.
“I always hope to be here (with the squad). I will try my best to give my best for the national team and also to be called up for the ASEAN Championship.
“I hope to be called up so much because in the last edition, I had the chance to play and I felt so happy,” said the 30-year-old forward before the team’s departure to Bangkok at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 here, today.
The national team under Pau Marti Vicente is scheduled to play two Tier 1 international friendlies against Laos at PAT Stadium, Bangkok, this Thursday before facing India at Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad, next Monday.
After losses in two friendlies last month, Aguero is motivated to help Malaysia bounce back with the aim of lifting the team’s ranking and bringing joy to the supporters.
“We go for six points and I hope we can get it and make our fans happy, the squad is in good shape and is always the best players called up, of course, other players like Romel (Morales) that got injured will be missed but there are players who are ready to replace,” he said.
Aguero who has made 10 appearances for Malaysia, debuted in December 2022 in a 4-0 victory over Cambodia but missed out on selection for the 2023 Asian Cup in Doha, Qatar early this year.
His latest appearance came when Malaysia defeated Taiwan 3-1 in a Group D match of the 2026 World Cup/2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil.
This month’s friendlies against Laos and India also provide a crucial preparation stage for Vicente’s squad as they head into the ASEAN Championship.
Malaysia, the 2010 champions, is drawn into Group A alongside defending champions Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, and Timor-Leste.
-- BERNAMA
