Malaysia U-23 coach favors Indonesia to win ASEAN Cup U-23 2025

Malaysia U-23 national team coach, Nafuzi Zain, predicts Indonesia as the favorite to win ASEAN Cup U-23 2025 — the tournament to be held in Jakarta and Bekasi in mid-July.

Malaysia is drawn in Group A alongside Indonesia, Philippines, and Brunei Darussalam — with their opening match against Philippines at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium.

“The advantage in this tournament naturally belongs to the host, especially with strong support from the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium crowd,” stated Nafuzi to AFF’s official website.

Despite favoring Indonesia, the 46-year-old coach maintains high ambitions — aiming to take Malaysia to the tournament final, previously known as AFF U-23 Cup.

“Our main target is reaching the final, but personally, I prefer to take this tournament one game at a time,” added Nafuzi.

The tournament format divides participants into three groups — with group winners and the best runner-up advancing to semifinals.