Not many Malaysians were familiar with Nazmi Faiz Mansor before the Sea Games but they will be now.
The pint-sized 17-year-old midfielder was a late addition to the Sea Games squad after being recalled from the national Under-19 team playing in an AFC qualifying competition in Vietnam, where he was incidentally sent off in the opening match. But in a change of fortunes, Nazmi's first start for the Under-23 team in the 2-1 Group A win over Thailand on Wednesday is one he will never forget despite having his stint cut short early in the second half with an injury.
"I am glad I was able to contribute to the team's victory over Thailand. We still have two more games to go so we cannot be taking it easy.
"The match against Thailand is the biggest occasion I have played in so far and I could never have dreamed it would have gone so well," said Kuala Lumpur-born Nazmi when met yesterday.
Nazmi, who skipped his SPM examinations to play here, replaced K. Gurusamy in the starting line-up and acquitted himself well in his defensive role despite going up against taller and stronger opponents.
He had to go off when he was injured in his left leg but should recover in time to face Cambodia on Sunday.
"It is only a minor injury and I think I can resume training tomorrow (today)," said Nazmi, who with the rest of the squad, had a day off yesterday.
Coach Ong Kim Swee may err on the side of caution and save Nazmi for a potentially explosive clash against Indonesia next Thursday.
Several players who did not feature in the opening two games may get a run out against Cambodia as Kim Swee looks to rotate his squad.
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