In the recent World Cup, Morocco became the first African semi-finalists in the tournament’s history, claiming the scalp of European giants Belgium, Spain and Portugal along the way.
The 22-year-old Stewart, who plays for Thai League 2 club Chiangmai, is among the youngsters expected to step up, with the team missing key players going into the competition.
KEY PLAYERS OUT
The Lions will go in search of a fifth regional title a little short in attacking options, but are hoping the home fans at Jalan Besar Stadium will give them an extra boost.
The home support buoyed them to an inspired semi-final finish last year, when they stretched eventual runners-up Indonesia to the end, despite red cards and refereeing decisions going against them.
This time, the Lions will be without top scorer Ikhsan Fandi, playmaker Adam Swandi and veteran defender Safuwan Baharuddin, due to injuries. Forward Taufik Suparno also dropped out for personal reasons.