The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) has called up 17 of the region’s top players to face Manchester United this summer in Malaysia, with more names expected to be announced soon. Led by Vietnam national team head coach Kim Sang-sik, the squad features several familiar faces—along with a few surprising selections.
As the national team under Sang-sik’s leadership, it was no surprise that Vietnam’s contingent was announced first. The trio of Nguyen Quang Hai, Do Duy Manh, and Nguyen Hoang Duc made the cut—Hoang Duc’s inclusion standing out, as he currently plies his trade with ambitious V.League 2 side Phu Dong Ninh Binh, who are pushing for promotion this season.
Thailand also has three representatives: national team goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai, Denmark-based defender Nicholas Mickelson, and Port FC midfielder Peeradol Chamrasamee. While the selections hold no major surprises, the omissions of Supachok Sarachat and Supachai Chaided may raise a few eyebrows.
And then we go to Malaysia’s three representatives and this is where the surprise selections began to show up.
While the inclusion of defender Dominic Tan comes as no surprise, the call-ups of Perak FC goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli and naturalized midfielder Ezequiel Aguero may raise eyebrows—especially given the omission of Arif Aiman, arguably Malaysia’s best player at the moment. Haziq is likely to serve as understudy to Patiwat, with his selection particularly surprising considering the strong form of Johor Darul Ta’zim’s Syihan Hazmi, and the fact that his performances for Perak have largely flown under the radar.
With Indonesia competing in the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers, calling up players from the national team may prove challenging. Many of the country’s key figures—such as Jay Idzes, Thom Haye, Marselino Ferdinan, and Rizky Ridho—are expected to prioritize international duty when the match against Manchester United takes place. However, those overlooked by head coach Patrick Kluivert still bring some firepower to the table. Asnawi Mangkualam and Persija Jakarta’s defensive prodigy Muhammad Ferarri have both been called up, while the likes of Pratama Arhan and Saddil Ramdani—who remain on the fringes of Kluivert’s plans—may also fancy their chances of being included.
Bounpachan Bounkong, fresh off guiding Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng to the 2024/25 AFC Challenge League final, stands as Laos’ sole representative in the ASEAN All-Stars lineup. His inclusion comes as no surprise, given the pivotal role he has played in Svay Rieng’s domestic and international success in recent years.
What did come as a surprise, however, was the absence of any of Bounkong’s Svay Rieng teammates from the Cambodian contingent. Instead, the ASEAN All-Stars call-ups for Cambodia went to the naturalized duo of Kan Mo (Visakha FC) and Andres Nieto (Phnom Penh Crown).
The inclusion of Maung Maung Lwin from Myanmar came as no surprise, given his status as one of the country’s top players in recent years. However, the selection of Bruneian veteran midfielder Azwan Ali Rahman and young Timorese striker Joao Pedro may raise eyebrows, as both Brunei and Timor-Leste are often considered among the region’s minnows.
More names are expected to join the ASEAN All-Stars, with the Philippines and Singapore yet to be represented. Additionally, the AFF has opened the door for Australian players to be included in the squad.
The friendly match against Manchester United is scheduled for May 28th at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur. Dubbed the Maybank Challenge Cup, proceeds from the match will be donated to the Al-Sultan Abdullah Foundation (YASA). Manchester United are expected to field their first team, fresh off the conclusion of the 2024/25 Premier League season.