Ifwat eying starting slot against Japan

JAKARTA: National Under-23 goalkeeper Ifwat Akmal Chek Kassim hopes to play against Japan in Friday’s Asian Games last-16 match

Ifwat made his first Asian Games appearance when he played in Monday’s 3-2 defeat to Bahrain in a Group E match.

Haziq Nadzli kept goal in the opening wins over Kyrgyzstan and South Korea.

"All of us need to play to coach Ong Kim Swee’s instructions. Of course, I hope to play (against Japan) but the coach will decide on the lineup,” said Ifwat.

"Those chosen must show strong fighting spirit and remain focused on the job until the final whistle.

“I also need to work on my weaknesses in training. I was not too happy with my performance.”