National U-23 Squad To Play Friendlies In Qatar, Indonesia

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 (Bernama) -- The national Under-23 squad under coach K. Rajagobal are expected to play friendly matches in Indonesia and Qatar to make up for the cancellation of the Inter-Continental Cup, due to Influenza A(H1N1) outbreak.

Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) secretary-general Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad said discussions were held with the Qatar and Indonesian football authorities to play friendly matches there.

"Though the Inter-Continental Cup was cancelled, FAM has lined up a comprehensive programme to prepare the young players in the squad," he told reporters at the launch of ticket sales counters for the Manchester United versus Malaysian Selection friendly match, here today.

The matches in Qatar and Indonesia will be in addition to a friendly match against Singapore Lions, a club team in the Island republic, on May 21.

"The squad will play one match against the Indonesian national team and three matches in Qatar - one against the national team and two against club sides," he said.

Yesterday, FAM announced the cancellation of the Inter-Continental Cup that was scheduled in Terengganu from June 1-14, expected to feature world class teams like Brazil, Mexico, Turkey and South Korea.

-- BERNAMA