Football

Two JDT players rejoin national team

SUBANG: Two Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) players returned to camp on Saturday to bolster the national squad for Tuesday's Asian Cup qualifier in Beirut.

Forward Syafiq Ahmad and midfielder Nazmi Faiz Mansor were recalled by national coach Tan Cheng Hoe, having earlier been two of 14 JDT players released by him.

That takes the number of players travelling to Beirut to 23 after defender Rawilson Batuil returned to Sabah due to a family emergency.

"I think this two players deserve another chance to show what they can do because they only played a few minutes against Mongolia," said Cheng Hoe, as his team prepared to leave their hotel in Subang.

"They are still young and can contribute a lot more to the team."

A 2-2 draw with Mongolia in a friendly on Thursday led to severe criticism on social media, leading to the exit of the JDT players.

Cheng Hoe fielded nine JDT players in the first XI, with Nazmi and Syafiq appearing as substitutes.

Malaysia have already been eliminated from qualifying and play their last fixture against Group B leaders Lebanon assured of finishing bottom.

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