Malaysia Announce Squad Numbers for ASEAN Cup 2026: Bergson Da Silva Takes No. 9, Arif Aiman Inherits the Sacred Number
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- Bergson Da Silva langsung dipercaya mengenakan nomor 9 di skuad Malaysia untuk FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, menandakan peran sebagai striker utama.
- Arif Aiman menerima nomor 10 yang bersejarah, mengingatkan pada era Safee Sali dan Mokhtar Dahari, sebagai bagian regenerasi Harimau Malaya.
- Langkah Malaysia ini mempertegas persiapan serius menghadapi turnamen, sekaligus memanaskan persaingan di Grup B yang juga dihuni Indonesia.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has officially released its player squad number list for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. In the announcement, newly naturalized striker Bergson Da Silva was handed the No. 9 shirt, while young midfielder Arif Aiman has been entrusted with the No. 10, a number synonymous with Harimau Malaya legends.
The decision marks a new chapter for the squad under Tan Cheng Hoe. Bergson, who spent five years with Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), has just completed his naturalization process. Handing him the No. 9 is not merely a formality, but a signal that he is projected to be Malaysia's main spearhead in attack during the tournament.
On the other hand, Arif Aiman takes on a heavy responsibility with the No. 10 shirt. At 24, he is regarded as a future star ready to carry high expectations, following in the footsteps of big names such as Safee Sali, Mokhtar Dahari, and Hardi Jaafar who once wore the number.
Malaysia's move cannot be taken lightly by the Indonesia national team. As a rival in Group B, Harimau Malaya's new strength could shift the competitive map. Bergson, who has been a consistent scorer in the Malaysia Super League, will be a real threat to the Garuda back line. Meanwhile Arif Aiman, with his speed and vision, could be a troublesome attacking creator.
Coach Tan Cheng Hoe previously said his team's preparations were going according to plan. "We want to make sure every player understands his role and responsibility, including when it comes to squad numbers," he said at a virtual press conference, as quoted by Malaysian media. The statement underscores the disciplined approach applied by the coach.
For Indonesia, Malaysia's decision is a reminder that competition in the ASEAN Cup is not only about individual quality, but also strategy and mentality. The Indonesia national team itself is preparing with a mixed squad of local and diaspora players. The duel between the two teams is predicted to be one of the most anticipated matches in the group stage.
The FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 will be held in November across five countries. Malaysia opens its campaign against Cambodia, before meeting Vietnam and Indonesia. With an increasingly mature squad, Harimau Malaya is aiming to surpass its semifinal finish in the previous edition. Can Indonesia answer this challenge?
