Ahead of the clash with Vietnam, a Malaysian footballer claimed that Malaysia has achieved a standard comparable to the US.

Wan Kuzain Wan Ahmad Kamal doesn't just see himself adapting; he observes broader implications while wearing the Malaysian jersey, confessing that the squad's professionalism now rivals what he encountered in America.

The 28-year-old midfielder stated that his training camp experience with the national team under head coach Tan Cheng Hoe gave him a fresh outlook on Malaysian football's growth, particularly in club management and work environment.

Wan Kuzain, who has played in the US, confessed his astonishment at finding every facet of the Malaysian team's camp running at elite standards.

"Absolutely, this has been a fantastic training session so far. I've been living and engaging with the coaching staff, the players, and everyone else."

"In the past, my exposure to Malaysian football was rather limited, so all of this feels fresh. Being present and witnessing the professional organization both on and off the field is genuinely world-class," he remarked.

Wan Kuzain stated that the Malaysian team's professionalism also aligns with the standards he was accustomed to throughout his playing career in the US.

"That's exactly what I anticipated and had grown accustomed to in the US. So, witnessing Malaysian football reach a similar standard to what I experienced in America is truly fantastic."

"I simply want to savor all these experiences, keep learning and taking in everything, because it's wonderful to be a part of this national team," he added.

Nevertheless, Wan Kuzain's stint was cut short when he was called back by his American club Sporting JAX.

He departed the Malaysian camp as the squad was gearing up for the first leg of the semi-final against defending champions Vietnam at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium this Sunday.

The absence of Wan Kuzain adds to coach Tan Cheng Hoe's midfield troubles, particularly as naturalized player Endrick Dos Santos continues to struggle with an injury sustained after the match against Laos in the second Group B fixture.