KUALA LUMPUR: Tunku Mahkota Johor (TMJ), Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has apologised to the national team following the winless drought faced by Harimau Malaya during his tenure as FA of Malaysia (FAM) president.
According to a statement on the Johor Southern Tigers Facebook page, Tunku Ismail, who has stepped down as FAM president, wished the national team all the best.
Tunku Ismail also said he will always support the national team.
“I would like to take this opportunity to wish the Harimau Malaya squad all the best and best of luck. I would also like to apologise to the national team because throughout my time as FAM president, the national senior side have not won.
“Now that I am no longer there, I hope all of you will win. My prayers and support will always be with the coaches and players who represent the national team,” he said yesterday.
The Malaysia Football League (MFL) chairman also expressed his confidence that the national squad have what it takes to win matches.
“I am confident that one day all of you will rise to the occasion and make the whole country proud with your achievements with the national team,” he said.
After going down 2-1 to Lebanon in the final qualifying group match of the 2019 Asia Cup in Beirut on Tuesday, the national squad, now under Tan Cheng Hoe, saw their winless streak extended to 12 matches.
The last time the national squad won a match was on Nov 20, 2016, when they defeated Cambodia 3-2 in the AFF Suzuki Cup.
However, Malaysia can end the drought this Sunday at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil in an international friendly match against Bhutan, who are ranked 10 places behind Malaysia in the Fifa world rankings at 188.