Three Days Before Kick-off, Malaysia Drops Sergio Aguero and Two Other Players

Less than 72 hours before the opening match of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, the Malaysian national team made a sudden overhaul to its squad list. Coach Tan Cheng Hoe decided to drop three names—Sergio Aguero, Romel Morales, and Faris Danish Asrul—as all three are still recovering from injuries. In their place, Syahir Bashah (Selangor FC), Paulo Josue (Kuala Lumpur City FC), and Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar (Selangor FC) have been called up to fill the vacancies.

This decision is a heavy blow for Harimau Malaya, especially since Sergio Aguero is a naturalized player who had been relied upon as the attacking engine. The hamstring injury he suffered on 19 August 2026, while playing for Malaysia against Vietnam in the second leg of the 2026 AFF Cup semifinal, has apparently not fully healed. Meanwhile, Indonesian football fans had been anticipating his performance, particularly because Aguero will join PSM Makassar in the 2026/2027 season.

PSM Makassar coach Darije Kalezic said he had communicated with the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) regarding Aguero's condition. According to him, the player cannot run yet and has not trained with PSM at all. "I also do not expect Sergio to be played for the Malaysian national team in such a condition. But Malaysia has the right to call him up on FIFA Match Day," Kalezic said.

"We have been in contact with FAM about his health and situation. Sergio Aguero still cannot run, and because of this problem PSM cannot play him," said Darije Kalezic.

For Malaysia, losing Aguero reduces their attacking firepower up front. However, this decision also saves PSM from the risk of losing a key player at the start of the season. Indonesian Liga 1 clubs often face a similar dilemma when their foreign players are called up by their national teams for official tournaments. Kalezic stressed that his side will not force Aguero to play before he is fully fit.

On the other hand, the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 taking place in Indonesia—with one of its promotional points at Sarinah, Central Jakarta—is a prestigious stage for Southeast Asian teams. Malaysia is in Group B alongside Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia. With a changed lineup, Tan Cheng Hoe is required to quickly devise a new strategy. Paulo Josue, a naturalized midfielder from Brazil who plays for Kuala Lumpur City FC, is predicted to be the main replacement to provide creativity in midfield.

This change also opens an opportunity for young players such as Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar to prove themselves. However, experience at the international level remains a big question mark. Malaysia will face a tough test, especially when they meet Indonesia in a match predicted to determine who advances to the next round.

For Indonesia, Aguero's absence could be an indirect advantage. The Indonesian national team's defense does not need to worry too much about the figure who once scored against Vietnam. Nevertheless, Malaysia still has other dangerous players such as Romel Morales—who is also absent—so their strength must still be watched.

The FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 is not just a regional tournament. It serves as a benchmark for preparations ahead of the 2030 World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers. For Malaysia, the results in this tournament will determine the direction of long-term development. Meanwhile, for Indonesia, hosting is a golden opportunity to showcase the quality of its football infrastructure and management.

With three days remaining, Tan Cheng Hoe must ensure the replacements can adapt quickly. The question is, can Malaysia overcome this injury crisis, or will it become a weak point exploited by opponents? The answer will be seen on the pitch, and Indonesia hopes to take advantage of it.