Rozaimi called up to face City, Arsenal
Rising Sabah star Rozaimi Abdul Rahman has been called up by Malaysia coach K. Rajagobal for their upcoming friendlies against Arsenal and Manchester City.
By ESPNSTAR.com staff
Rozaimi recently starred for the Malaysia U-23 side in their AFC U-22 Asian Cup qualifying campaign, where he scored ten goals in four starts for Ong Kim Swee's side.
And while the Young Tigers ultimately failed to qualify for the finals after a last-day 2-1 defeat to Myanmar, Rozaimi has done enough to convince Rajagobal to pick him in his 27-man squad to face the Barclays Premier League duo, where he could earn only his second cap after making his international debut earlier this year against Sri Lanka.
Nonetheless, it is likely the 19-year-old will have to settle for a place on the bench given Malaysia have named a full-strength side, including Pelita Jaya striker Safee Sali, Kelantan goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat and Selangor captain Safiq Rahim.
Terengganu centre-back Muslim Ahmad has also been recalled after missing the last round of international friendlies against Singapore and Philippines, while Felda United winger Yong Kuong Yong has been rewarded for an impressive season in the Malaysia Super League with the Settlers with a place in the squad.
Harimau Malaya will take on Arsenal on July 24, before locking horns with Premier League champions City six days later, with both games scheduled to take place at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
Malaysia squad to face Arsenal and Man City
Goalkeepers: Norazlan Razli (Selangor), Farizal Marlias (Negri Sembilan), Khairul Fahmi Che Mat (Kelantan)
Defenders: Asraruddin Putra Omar (Selangor), S. Subramaniam (Kelantan), Muslim Ahmad, Faizal Muhamad (both Terengganu), Mahalli Jasuli, Fadhli Shas (both Harimau Muda), Aidil Zafuan, Amiridzwan Taj Tajudin, Azmi Muslim (all ATM)
Midfielders: Amar Rohidan, Baddrol Bakhtiar (both Kedah), Bunyamin Umar, Safiq Rahim (both Selangor), Shahurain Abu Samah, S. Kunanlan (both Negri Sembilan), Shakir Shaari (Kelantan), Ashaari Samsudin (Terengganu), Yong Kuong Yong (Felda United)
Forwards: Khyril Muhymeen Zambri (Kedah), Ahmad Shakir Ali (Negri Sembilan), Norshahrul Idlan Talaha (Kelantan), Azamuddin Akil (Pahang), Rozaimi Abdul Rahman (Sabah), Safee Sali (Pelita Jaya)