Malaysia unexpectedly welcomes Belgian-born star from Japan to face Vietnam team

Belgian-born defender Dion Cools confirms he will join the Malaysia national team to prepare for the match against Vietnam in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.

According to Harian Metro, Belgian-born defender Dion Cools will officially join the Malaysia national team ahead of the crucial match against Vietnam in Group F of the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. This encounter is scheduled to take place on March 31 in Hanoi, as the Malaysia team is assembling its strongest squad aiming to secure a spot in the continental finals.

The news of Dion Cools' call-up was confirmed after Cerezo Osaka (Japan) announced that the player had been summoned by Malaysia national team head coach Peter Cklamovski. On its official social media page, the Japanese club stated: "Dion Cools has been selected to represent the Malaysia national team," confirming the return of the dual Belgian-Malaysian heritage defender to the Malaysia national team.

Upon receiving the call-up news, Dion Cools quickly expressed his determination for the upcoming important match against the Vietnam team. He affirmed: "This is a crucial step to ensure qualification for the Asian Cup." The defender further emphasized his readiness to contribute, sharing: "Therefore, I will prepare thoroughly and give my utmost to achieve a positive result in the match against Vietnam. I am eagerly looking forward to this challenge."

According to Harian Metro, Dion Cools is currently regarded as a key figure for the Malaysia national team, especially as the squad has recently suffered significant personnel losses. Previously, seven naturalized players—Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, Hector Hevel, Gabriel Palmero, Rodrigo Holgado, Facundo Garces, and Imanol Machuca—were suspended by FIFA for 12 months due to involvement in falsifying birth certificates.

Not only has the team lost players, Malaysia also faces the risk of point deduction in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. According to multiple sources, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) may deduct 6 points from Malaysia's previous two matches where they defeated Nepal 2-0 and Vietnam 4-0, due to the use of players now suspended. If this occurs, the standings in Group F will significantly change.

Besides Dion Cools, coach Peter Cklamovski is also planning to strengthen the squad for the match against Vietnam. He told Malaysian media: "I will call up the strongest possible lineup for the pivotal match against the Vietnam team on March 31 at Thiên Trường Stadium in Ninh Bình. Several experienced players will join, so selecting the starting lineup may pose considerable pressure". According to Harian Metro, the official Malaysia national team squad is likely to be announced this week.