There was no doubt what was missing for Tan Cheng Hoe when his Malaysian team fired blanks against Vietnam in the last 2022 World Cup qualification match played in October. Conspicuous in his absence was one Nor Azam Azih which ultimately saw a very blunt Harimau Malaya in attack against an opponent who were comfortable in the defending phase.
The 24-year-old Maran-born was instrumental in the first two matches of the group against Indonesia and United Arab Emirates where Malaysia showed their attacking capabilities. Azam was the one counted on to dictate the tempo of the match and be the creative fulcrum of the team with his range of passing.