A mystery reward and RM6,000 cash incentive await the National Under-22 squad that qualified for the 2018 Asian Football Confederation (AFC Cup U-23) Under-23 Cup Finals in China next year.
Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) secretary-general Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin said FAM president Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has also invited the players to meet him soon.
Hamidin said each player and official would receive RM6,000 as per FAM's pledge.
"I wish to congratulate the National Under-22 squad head coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee, players and all individuals responsible for the historic achievement. They deserve the incentive for their sacrifice and contribution.
"The president has asked me to arrange the meeting with the U-22 squad as early as possible. I'm sure there will be good news from Tunku," he told reporters after arriving at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) from Bangkok, Thailand, here today.
Malaysia emerged as Group H winners in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC Cup) Under-23 Qualifiers and booked an automatic spot for the 2018 AFC Cup Under-23 finals in China.
Malaysia under the tutelage of National head coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee collected six points from three matches to pip host Thailand who managed only five points after being held to a 1-1 draw by Indonesia today.
Kim Swee's boys had beaten Indonesia 3-0 and Mongolia 2-0 but lost 0-3 to Thailand while Thailand who beat Malaysia 3-0 were held to a 1-1 draw by Mongolia and Indonesia by the same score.
Indonesia finished third in the group.
The winners of 10 groups, plus the best placed five runner-up teams make up 15 teams that qualify for the final in China next year while the 16th team will be the host country.
Meanwhile, Kim Swee said the players must remain focused on the bigger task ahead - SEA Games - which is around the corner and where expectation from the home fans would be higher.
"We have to forget about the 'sweet victory' and concentrate on preparations for the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games because the expectations, challenge and pressure will be nothing compared with what we had gone through in Bangkok.
"Being under pressure is normal but just that when we are hosting the games, the pressure increases. The players must remain focused," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Jul 25 2017
Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin said FAM president Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has also invited the players to meet him soon.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.