KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 — Harimau Malaya midfielder Wan Kuzain Wan Ahmad Kamal described his superb free-kick goal in Malaysia's 4-0 victory over Laos in their 2026 ASEAN Cup Group B match as a dream come true.
The US-based Sporting JAX player said the more than 30-hour journey to join the national team was worthwhile after scoring his first international goal in only his second appearance for Malaysia at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras last night.
"It's amazing to score for your country in my second cap. It's like a dream. If I'm still asleep, don't wake me up right now.
"I think he (the Laos goalkeeper) thought I was going to cross it, so why not? The opportunity turned into a special moment and I'm glad it went in," he told reporters after the match.
Wan Kuzain hopes to earn more playing time in the coming matches to continue proving his value to the national team.
"We're going to have fun. Thailand and Malaysia have a long history, so I'm glad to play my part in it in the near future. It's going to be a great game.
"That's what I was looking forward to after flying more than 30 hours. I knew it wasn't going to be easy with jet lag, lack of sleep, new teammates and a new camp. Whether I got five minutes, 15 minutes or the full 90 minutes, I'm happy to play my role and continue my journey with Malaysia football," he said.
Malaysia lead Group B with six points, followed by Thailand and Myanmar on three points each, while the Philippines and Laos are yet to open their accounts.
Harimau Malaya began their campaign with a 2-1 win over Myanmar in Yangon last Saturday and will travel to Bangkok to face seven-time champions Thailand at the Rajamangala Stadium this Saturday.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.
