SEPANG: It was a dream come true for young Selangor defender Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar when he was named as one of the 24 players for Harimau Malaya's World Cup Group D qualifier against Oman in Muscat on Thursday.
The 22-year-old, also a member of the national Under-23 squad, now has a chance to earn his first cap if fielded by coach Kim Pan Gon.
Harith said it will be another year away from his family during Hari Raya Aidilfitri but is glad to make the sacrifice.
"My schedule is hectic. After the matches against Oman on Thursday and March 26, I will be joining the national youth squad for the Under-23 Asian Cup," said Harith today.
"There will be no Raya celebration, but it is okay. This is the route I have chosen because I want to be a footballer."
His selection for the senior team may be due to the absence of Junior Eldstal, one of two players apart from skipper Matthew Davies, who was dropped at the last minute due to injuries.
However, the Mokhtar Dahari Football Academy (AMD) product said although his selection was unexpected, it was not all due to luck.
"We all need an element of luck, but in this case, I consider it good fortune rather than pure chance.
I have worked hard and represented Selangor for five years, and this is the first time I'm on the final list. I'm truly thankful and glad.
"Even if Junior was available I might have made it too; I don't know. But my focus now is on the match with Oman."
Harith believes the experience with the senior squad in Muscat will help him when he plays in the Under-23 Asian Cup in Doha next month.
"I will always give my best, regardless of whether it is for the Under-23 or national squad," said the Klang-born, adding that the seniors have been helping the younger players to adjust.
Malaysia are at the top of the Group D standings with six points, followed by Oman and Kyrgyzstan on three points each and Taiwan in last place without any points.
The 24-member Harimau Malaya squad left for Muscat today (March 17).
The squad: Faisal Halim, Dion Cools, Syihan Hazmi, Safawi Rasid, Akhyar Rashid, Arif Aiman Hanapi, Paulo Josue, Brendan Gan, Romel Morales, Daniel Ting, Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi, Nooa Laine, Sharul Nazeem Zulpakar, La'Vere Corbin-Ong, Darren Lok, Stuart Wilkin, Azri Ghani, Suhaimi Husin, Azam Azmi Murad, Dominic Tan, Syamer Kutty Abba, Shahrul Saad, Endrick dos Santos, Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar.