The forward returning from Europe is determined to help Malaysia defeat Vietnam.

Negeri Sembilan FC forward Luqman Hakim Shamsudin stated that he no longer wants to merely fill squad depth, but is very determined to prove he remains sharp enough to make an impact for the Malaysian national team.

The second opportunity Malaysian national team head coach, Peter Cklamovski has given him is considered the ideal moment for Luqman to reaffirm his value and attract attention once more. This striker continues to be called up to the Harimau Malaya squad preparing for the final match in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, facing Vietnam at Thiên Trường Stadium on March 31.

Previously, Luqman was called up to the national team during the November camp last year. At that time, he was summoned as a replacement for Jordan Mintah, who had to withdraw due to health issues.

After five seasons playing abroad, Luqman returned to the Malaysian league determined to prove himself. The 24-year-old forward has now scored 6 goals in 22 appearances for Negeri Sembilan, showing he is gradually regaining his best form.

According to Luqman, being recalled to the national team comes precisely at a time when his confidence is clearly rising.

He stated that the continuous support from the coaching staff and teammates at his club plays a significant role in helping him rebuild belief in his own abilities.

“This is the second time I've been called up to the national team by the coach. This is a very big opportunity for me. The confidence I have now comes from the support of the coach and teammates, who always encourage me.”

Luqman also emphasized that regularly playing for Negeri Sembilan has helped him regain his best feeling.

“When I play regularly, I get my rhythm back and confidence comes naturally.”

Speaking about the match against Vietnam, Luqman believes this is a confrontation of great significance for him personally and for the entire team. According to him, it is not merely a normal match, but also a game concerning national honor, which the whole team must defend at all costs.

“I hope this match will help me regain confidence, competitive spirit, and also repay the trust the coach has placed in me.”

Luqman, born in 2002, is regarded as one of Malaysia's most promising forwards. He had a training stint in Belgium, playing for Kortrijk from 2020 to 2025, alongside periods playing in Njarovik and Yokohama on loan.

Luqman returned to Malaysia in 2025 and is displaying high performance with Negeri Sembilan.

At this moment, Harimau Malaya has only one more match left in their 2027 Asian Cup qualifying journey, before heading to Thiên Trường Stadium to face the Vietnam national team on March 31.