National players training in Surakarta, Indonesia, ahead of the Under-16 Asean Championships on Saturday. -PIC CREDIT: FAM
National players training in Surakarta, Indonesia, ahead of the Under-16 Asean Championships on Saturday. -PIC CREDIT: FAM

KUALA LUMPUR: The Young Tigers will get a chance to gauge their mettle at the Under-16 Asean Championship in Surakarta, Indonesia.

Malaysia will open their Group C campaign against minnows Timor Leste on Sunday.

Australia and Thailand make up the group.

Coach Javier Jorda Ribera said all 23 members of his team are available for the opening game at Sriwedari Stadium.

"We brought the best players from various districts last month to prepare for the tournament. It is a fresh start for Malaysian football," said Ribera.

Captain Amar Imran Uzaini Ashadi hopes his team will clinch three points against Timor Leste.

"We just want to focus on our performance and get a good start tomorrow. It is always challenging in the first game," said Amar Imran, a defender from Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) IV.

Only the winners of the three groups and the best runners-up will qualify for the semi-finals.

The tournament is part of Malaysia's preparation for the Under-17 Asian Cup qualifiers in October.