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Asean All-Stars to Challenge Manchester United in Maybank Challenge Cup
KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 - The Asean All-Stars are preparing for an unlikely victory as they face Premier League giants Manchester United in the Maybank Challenge Cup match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, slated for tomorrow night.
The Asean All-Stars' head coach, Kim Sang Sik, acknowledged the constraints of limited training time as the team has only had one session together. Despite the challenge, Kim, who also leads the Vietnam national team, pronounced the players' strong determination to secure a win.
"Given our diverse national backgrounds, the players are in optimal condition. Their commitment remains unwavering. Although we have had only one training session, their seriousness and desire to triumph are palpable. We will make every effort to prepare well and deliver an impressive performance," Kim stated at a pre-match press conference.
The Asean All-Stars squad will be a mixed bag of seasoned and youthful players, including local representatives such as Muhammad Azam Azmi Murad, Muhammad Adib Abdul Raop, Muhammad Haziq Nadzli, Declan Lambert, and Harimau Malaya's naturalized striker Sergio Aguero. Enhancing the squad are several national team captains including Mo Kan of Cambodia, Bounphachan Bounkong (Laos), and Vietnam's captain Do Duy Manh.
Aguero, who has been appointed captain of the Asean All-Stars, expressed the team's resolve to claim victory despite Manchester United's renowned status as one of the world's club titans.
"It is a privilege to play against such an esteemed team. The responsibility is immense, and we will certainly give our utmost performance," Aguero, the Sri Pahang FC striker, expressed.
Historically, Manchester United's last visit to Malaysia was during their 2009 pre-season tour, conquering the Malaysia XI twice, 3-2 and 2-0, on July 18 and 20, respectively, at the National Stadium. Post their dismal season, finishing in 15th spot with 42 points, the Red Devils will also travel to Hong Kong as part of their post-season tour, facing the Hong Kong national team at the Hong Kong Stadium on May 30.
Sources:[1] Asean All-Stars. (n.d.). Retrieved May 27, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asean_All-Stars[2] Manchester United. (n.d.). Retrieved May 27, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manchester_United_F.C.[3] Maybank Challenge Cup. (n.d.). Retrieved May 27, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maybank_Challenge_Cup[4] Maung Maung Lwin. (n.d.). Retrieved May 27, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maung_Maung_Lwin[5] Southeast Asian Football. (n.d.). Retrieved May 27, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southeast_Asian_football
- The upcoming Maybank Challenge Cup in Malaysia will pit the Asean All-Stars against European-leagues powerhouse, Manchester United, in a highly anticipated football match.
- As the Asean All-Stars prepare for their game against Manchester United, they are bolstered by the strong will of their captain, Sergio Aguero, a Malaysia-based player with his sights set on victory.
- Remaining undeterred by the opposition's status as one of the world's club titans, the Asean All-Stars squad – a unique combination of seasoned and youthful players from Southeast Asian countries – are eagerly looking forward to the competitive encounter in Kuala Lumpur.
- After a dismal season, Manchester United will also be visiting Hong Kong as part of their post-season tour, playing against the Hong Kong national team at the Hong Kong Stadium on May 30.
