KUALA LUMPUR – National under-23 footballer Annil Vigneswaran pledges to return stronger after being omitted from the Harimau Muda team for the ongoing Under-23 AFC Asian Cup campaign in Qatar.
The versatile 20-year-old defender, who has consistently featured for the national under-23 side since 2021, was called up for the team selection process under Juan Torres Garrido from March 14 to April 6.
Speaking to Scoop, Annil said that he is not disappointed with the coaches’ decision and is determined to continue working hard until he earns a spot on the senior national team in the future.
“I love my country so much, and it’s always an honour to represent my country in any tournament. Though I play club football abroad, my loyalty lies with Malaysia, and I will not think twice about joining any of the selection camps.
“I came close to being selected, but as a player, I have no complaints and I completely understand the decision made by the coaches.
“I am going to work ten times harder after this, and my goal is to play for the national team under head coach Kim Pan-gon. I will continue to prove myself on the pitch to achieve my ultimate target.
“During the selection camp, the atmosphere was great, and the coaches helped us a lot to bring out our best. I wish the best for the team, and I’m sure that they will do their best in the Asian Cup,” said Annil when contacted.
Annil, who currently plays for Germany-based SV Waldhof Mannheim, began his youth career with Ajax Amsterdam in the Netherlands at the age of 10.
He previously played for another German third-division side, SV Sandhausen, and was also with German clubs SGV Freiberg and Freiburger FC between 2021 and 2022.
Annil was also a member of the national youth team under coach Brad Maloney for the U23 Asian Cup qualifiers in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, in 2021.
Harimau Muda began their Under-23 Asian Cup campaign with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Uzbekistan at the Khalifa International Stadium on April 17.
Yesterday, they were unable to hold their own after succumbing to a 2-0 defeat against Vietnam in their second Group D match.
Currently sitting at the bottom of Group D, Malaysia will play their final group match against Vietnam on April 23.
Harimau Muda’s best achievement in the U23 Asian Cup was in 2018, when they reached the quarter-finals of the tournament held in China. – April 21, 2024