Tajikistan replace Lebanon in Merdeka Cup 2023

Tajikistan are ranked 110th in the FIFA rankings.

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) announced on Friday, the 18th of August, the confirmation of Tajikistan’s participation in the upcoming Merdeka Cup. The team in red have come in as the direct replacement of Lebanon.

The biggest cause behind the Lebanese national team pulling the plug at the eleventh hour is that they are in the same group with Palestine in the second round of the 2026 World Cup/Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.

The matter had emerged as a concern a few days back, and it was rumoured that both Palestine and Lebanon might withdraw from the tournament. Addressing the matter, FAM secretary-general Noor Azman Rahman said: “We are aware that Palestine and Lebanon are in the same World Cup qualifying group. We have not received news that the concerned teams will withdraw from the Merdeka Tournament.”

But fast forwarding to Friday, Lebanon have officially withdrawn from the tournament, with Tajikistan emerging as the instant replacement for the Cedars. The Persian Lions will now play against Palestine in the semi-final fixture, on the 13th of October. 

“FAM received the withdrawal letter from the Lebanon FA on Monday. The letter stated the withdrawal was because Lebanon and Palestine were in the same group of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers,” said FAM secretary-general Noor Azman Rahman.

“On the following day, we received confirmation from the Tajikistan FF that they would play in the tournament, replacing Lebanon.” he added.

Does Tajikistan’s entry now pose a new challenge for India?

Tajikistan’s entry into the Merdeka Cup, now poses a new and exciting challenge for Igor Stimac and his men, as they are now presented with the prospect of facing a familiar foe. 

India’s record against the Persian Lions is also not very impressive, as in their five encounters till date, the Blue Tigers have won only once, and have tasted defeat on three different occasions. 

Despite drawn in different semi-final fixtures, the two teams have a chance of encountering in the 2023 Merdeka Cup, given that they win their respective games and meet in the final, or taste defeat in the semis, and battle it out in the third-place playoff.

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