In the footballing landscape of the 42nd Merdeka Cup, all eyes turn to the clash between India and Malaysia, promising an enthralling contest of skill and strategy. Fresh off a spirited performance in the Asian Games, the Blue Tigers, under the guidance of head coach Igor Stimac, find themselves in Malaysia, ready to embark on a new challenge.
Originally envisioned as a four-nation tournament, the competition now features only Malaysia, India, and Tajikistan after Palestine withdrew. As the host nation, Malaysia, despite being the lowest-ranked team, carries the weight of a storied legacy, having won the Merdeka Cup ten times and finished as the runner-up twice in its 41-year history. The much-anticipated showdown between India and Malaysia in the 2023 Merdeka Cup is set to unfold on October 13 at 6:30 PM IST, gracing the grounds of the Bukit Jalil Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Malaysia enters the arena with a sense of confidence, having triumphed in six of their last nine encounters. In their last international outing, Malaysia faced China in a friendly, where Faisal Abdul Halim’s 11th-minute goal gave them an early lead, but China managed to equalize, concluding the match in a 1-1 draw. Preceding this, Malaysia participated in the AFF Championship in January, securing victories against Laos, Singapore, and Myanmar but facing defeats to Vietnam and Thailand. Ranked 134th in FIFA standings, Malaysia faces India, currently placed 102nd, with a mix of confidence and challenges.
India, on the other hand, experienced a twist in their fairy-tale start to 2023. A fourth-place finish in the King’s Cup and an exit from the Asian Games following a defeat to Saudi Arabia has ignited a sense of urgency in the Blue Tigers’ camp. Coach Stimac recognizes the need for an emphatic performance against Malaysia to rejuvenate the team’s spirits. The Indian side, boasting recent successes with three consecutive trophies, aims to etch their name in Merdeka Cup history by securing their maiden title.
As both teams gear up for the showdown, the Blue Tigers’ coach Stimac acknowledges the historical significance of the tournament, having participated 17 times previously. The Blue Tigers are not only eager to clinch the Merdeka Cup but also mindful of the looming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Kuwait and Qatar next month. The coach emphasizes the importance of avoiding injuries in preparation for these crucial qualifiers, acknowledging the chance for India, placed in Pot 2, to make a historic advancement to Round 3.
Team News
Malaysia anticipates a fully fit squad except for attacking midfielder Paulo Josue, sidelined with dengue. India faces a complex scenario ahead of the clash, with notable absentees and injury concerns. Jeakson Singh is likely sidelined due to injury, while Ashique Kuruniyan is ruled out for the season with an ACL injury. Additionally, Anwar Ali, Subhasish Bose, Manvir Singh, and Brandon Fernandes are nursing injuries sustained during their recent club engagements, posing a challenge for India’s squad depth.
Head-to-head record
The impending fixture will signify the 32nd encounter between India and Malaysia. In their most recent clash during the 2001 edition, India endured a 2-1 loss to the hosts. Historically, Malaysia maintains the upper hand with 10 triumphs, contrasting India’s seven victories, while seven matches concluded in draws. The teams last met in 2011 during an international friendly, where Sunil Chhetri’s double secured a 3-2 victory for India.
Probable starting line-ups
India XI – Gurpreet Singh Sandhu(GK), Nikhil Poojari, Sandesh Jhingan, Mehtab Singh, Akash Mishra, Anirudh Thapa, Suresh Singh, Sahal Abdul Samad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Sunil Chhetri(C), Liston Colaco
Malaysia XI – Syihan Hazmi (GK), Matthew Davies, Dominic Tan, Dion Cools, Corbin-Ong, Endrick, Brendan Gan, Stuart Wilkin, Faisal Halim, Safawi Rasid(C), Akhyar Rashid
The anticipation rises as seasoned defender Sandesh Jhingan, reflecting on his formative years, expresses the significance of returning to Malaysia, the first country he played football in during his school nationals. With the prospect of playing in front of a massive 90,000-seater arena in Kuala Lumpur, Jhingan and the Indian squad brace themselves for a challenging encounter against a formidable Malaysian side.
Anwar Ali, the understudy to Jhingan, exudes confidence in the Indian team’s ability to face the strong Malaysian side. With both teams aware of the importance of the match in the broader context of their footballing journeys, the clash between India and Malaysia promises not only a thrilling spectacle but also an opportunity for both nations to etch a new chapter in the storied history of the Pestabola Merdeka. Football enthusiasts await a match that goes beyond borders, embracing the spirit of competition and camaraderie that defines the beautiful game.
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