KUALA LUMPUR: National defender Syahmi Safari views the AFC Asian Cup (Jan 12-Feb 10) as the biggest challenge of his career.
Syahmi said the Asian Cup is likely the most prestigious international competition he will play in his career and is hoping to stamp his mark.
Competition for spots in the first eleven is fierce and Syahmi will have to compete with Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) teammate La'Vere Corbin-Ong who is currently Kim Pan Gon's first choice for the right back position.
"Malaysia played in the Under-23 Asian Cup in 2018 but this is the actual (senior) competition. This could be the highest level (tournament) we reach in our careers," said Syahmi today.
"I believe everyone will want to prove themselves, achieve a high level and drive the team forward.
"With the quality we have, everyone here deserves to play. This is the best team (we have ever had).
"Everyone has to fight for a spot in the first eleven. This helps elevate the team's performances to a new level because there is healthy competition within the squad."
Malaysia will play Jordan (Jan 15), Bahrain (Jan 20) and South Korea (Jan 25) in Group E.
Syahmi believes that Malaysia have closed the gap to the Middle Eastern squads in recent years though anticipates a tougher match against the Koreans.
"I think the early matches (against Jordan and Bahrain) will be important for us to progress to the next round," he said.
"But we need to be realistic, the gap between us and the Arab nations may not be that big.
"But our last match against South Korea (will be different). They have players from Europe, I think it will be a good experience for us.
"An experience which we would have otherwise not been able to experience (if we did not qualify).
"There is nothing to lose. We just have to go out, deliver our best and enjoy the game."
Syahmi has made 25 appearances for the national team since 2018, scoring once and contributing two assists.