KUALA LUMPUR: Despite being the top-ranked team in the Nations Cup, Malaysia have set only a semi-finals target in the tournament in Potchefstroom, South Africa, from Nov 28-Dec 4.
Yesterday, coach Arul Selvaraj named 20 players for the inaugural tournament, which comes with a Pro-League ticket for the champions. He also included a player with zero caps and welcomed back striker Faizal Saari from his Dutch tour.
World No 10 Malaysia will open their campaign against nemeses South Korea (12th), with the other teams in Group B being Japan (18th) and Canada (14th). In Group A are France (11th), Pakistan (17th), Ireland (13th) and South Africa (16th).
"We have included Syarman (Mat Tee) for the Nations Cup even though he will be earning his first cap in South Africa. It's a process to blood as many youths as possible while some seasoned players are undergoing rehab for injuries," said Arul.
"Four players who did not compete in the Azlan Shah Cup will also see action as we will bring along 20 players but are allowed to register only 18 for matches.
"But in case of injuries, the two reserves will be allowed to play. We will start with a semi-finals target, and take matters from there."
The four who did not play in the Azlan Shah Cup, where Malaysia beat South Korea 3-2 for their first title after 29 editions, are goalkeeper Adrian Andy Albert, defender Syarman and strikers Faizal Saari and Ramadan Rosli.
Faizal, who played in the Premier Division of the Dutch league with the Schaerweijde club, will have to adapt to his "new teammates" and not the other way around, said Arul.
"Faizal will have to re-adapt to the team as many juniors have made an impression in the Azlan Shah Cup and became new inclusions for the Nations Cup," he said.
The team will leave for Potchefstroom tomorrow to acclimatise to its high altitude.
"Potchefstroom has an elevation of about 1,500m above sea level and breathing will be quite difficult. That's why we will be arriving six days before the first match. It's also hot and the wind is quite dry.
"We will play at least four friendlies around noon to get used to our playing times as well," said Arul.
Malaysia will play Korea on Nov 28 followed by Canada the next day and Japan on Dec 1.
The five players on the crock list fighting to recover for the World Cup in January are Zaimi Mat Deris, Syafiq Hassan, Marhan Jalil, Shahril Saabah and Muhajir Abdu Rauf.