Kuala lumpur: Young Harimau Malaya player Muhammad Alif Ahmad is refusing to let criticism from fans weigh on him, instead using it as motivation to improve his performance at the 2026 ASEAN Cup. The Johor Darul Ta'zim II (JDTII) player admitted that making his senior international debut had put him under pressure, but said the criticism following his early appearances had motivated him to perform better.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Alif stated, "For me, I regard all the criticism as motivation. I felt the pressure from the moment I played because this was my first time playing with the senior team. I feel I have performed better in the matches since then compared with my first appearance." He expressed confidence in his ability to improve as Malaysia prepares to face Vietnam in the tournament's semi-final.

The A1 League player also admitted that he had never expected to make the leap directly into the senior squad, let alone represent the country at a prestigious international tournament in Southeast Asia. Alif shared that playing for the senior squad had always been one of his dreams, while expressing his gratefulness for the opportunity and significant playing time given to him by the coach.

"I really did not expect this opportunity. I went straight from the A1 to the senior squad and never imagined that I would suddenly get the chance to play with the senior team," he added. On the team's preparations for the Vietnam clash, he said it had been progressing smoothly and he was ready to shoulder greater responsibility if given another opportunity to play.

He also acknowledged Harimau Malaya captain Paulo Josue as one of the individuals who had made a significant impact on him and the other young players in the squad. Josue, according to him, frequently encouraged and supported the younger players, helping them cope with the pressure of playing alongside the senior squad.

Malaysia will face defending champions Vietnam in the second leg of the 2026 ASEAN Cup semi-final at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras this Sunday before travelling to Vietnam for the return fixture next Wednesday.