Malaysia’s Head Coach Speaks Out After AFF Cup Draw Results

Following the group stage draw ceremony held in Jakarta, head coach Peter Cklamovski openly shared his perspective on the tournament.

According to the Australian coach, the 2026 AFF Cup presents a rare chance for Malaysia’s coaching staff to test the squad under genuine international competition conditions. Since the tournament is scheduled outside the FIFA calendar, Malaysia is not restricted by club release rules, allowing the call-up of many new players, especially young talents eager to prove themselves.

Cklamovski considers this a crucial phase for expanding the team’s depth: "Because the tournament takes place outside FIFA’s international match calendar, it allows us to introduce more new players, give young players international experience, and strengthen the pathway towards the Malaysian national team."

Beyond immediate significance, the 2026 AFF Cup also plays a key role in long-term plans leading up to the 34th SEA Games, which Malaysia will host. Establishing a core squad early, developing a clear progression plan, and ensuring generational continuity are top priorities for the Football Association of Malaysia at this stage.

In the 2026 AFF Cup group stage, Malaysia is placed in Group B alongside Thailand, the Philippines, Myanmar, and Laos. This group is considered challenging, especially with Thailand as a regional powerhouse and the Philippines showing significant improvement due to their naturalization policy. However, Cklamovski believes these challenges will help his players grow faster, both technically and mentally.

The Malaysian national team enters the tournament determined to erase the disappointing memory of the 2024 edition, where they were eliminated early in the group stage. Amidst high pressure from supporters, the 2026 AFF Cup is seen as an opportunity to regain trust and affirm a new direction under coach Cklamovski.

Historically, Malaysia’s peak achievement in this competition was winning the championship in 2010 under the legendary coach K. Rajagopal. Although repeating that success is a difficult task, Peter Cklamovski’s developmental approach shows he is not only focused on results but also on laying a sustainable foundation for Malaysian football’s future.