Kojo confident Kyrgyzstan can qualify for next round with minimum fuss
PETALING JAYA: Kyrgyzstan hitman Joel Kojo (pic) has bad news for Malaysia ahead of their crucial Group D 2026 World Cup-2027 Asian Cup qualifying match in Bishkek today.

The Central Asian nation are just one match away from history and Kojo has confidence that they will prevail in their capital city of Bishkek as they are the type that work well under pressure.

Victory in Group D over either Malaysia today or Oman five days later will take Kyrgyzstan into the next phase of the continent’s qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup for the first time and the nation on track for a debut Finals appearance.

The White Falcons are now on top of Group D with nine points from their opening four matches and Kojo is confident they can punch their ticket to the third round with minimum fuss.

Kojo told www.the-afc.com: “I have confidence in myself, and I have confidence in the team that we can qualify for the next stage of World Cup qualifying. I believe so much in myself and I believe so much in the team.”

The Ghana-born striker, who has scored seven times in 15 games since his debut for his adopted nation last year, added: “I know in this game, the country, the coach, and some of the players can feel the pressure, but I just take it as a normal game.

“I’ll do what I know to do best. We are going to win these three points, and we’re going to qualify. I hope the team are all going to come together and we can show our best.”

The 25-year-old has an impressive scoring record since making his debut as a substitute against Iran in a CAFA Nations Cup match last May.

His confidence in both himself and Kyrgyzstan’s qualification prospects seems well placed.

Kojo scored Kyrgyzstan’s equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Oman in the Asian Cup in Qatar earlier this year. He also netted his first international hattrick in March against Taiwan.

“I’m always ready to give my best in every game, any time, anywhere. Being part of the national team is great for me to be able to show myself to the world,” said Kojo, who became a naturalised citizen after he got married to his wife, an English-speaking hotel receptionist based in Bishkek, four years ago.
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PETALING JAYA: Kyrgyzstan hitman Joel Kojo (pic) has bad news for Malaysia ahead of their crucial Group D 2026 World Cup-2027 Asian Cup qualifying match in Bishkek today.