Merdeka Cup: All-time head-to-head record between India & Malaysia

The two teams have met 24 times so far

In the first semifinal of the prestigious Merdeka Cup, India will face off against the host nation, Malaysia. This exciting match is set to take place in one of Southeast Asia's formidable stadiums, Bukit Jalil, in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur.

The Merdeka tournament, which originally began in 1957, has been taking place from time to time. The upcoming edition will mark the 42nd edition of this historic tournament. In addition to India and Malaysia, Tajikistan is the third participating team in the competition.

The winner in the clash between India and Malaysia will advance in to the final to compete against Tajikistan. Tajikistan received a direct entry to the final due to Palestine's last-minute withdrawal from the tournament, which was attributed to the ongoing conflict with Israel.

Historical Significance

The historical significance of this encounter dates back to 1959 when both sides locked horns against each other in the Merdeka Cup. The game ended in a 1-1 draw and since then, there have been 24 meetings between both the sides in total. 

However, since the turn of the 21st century both the sides have played only four times last of which came in an International friendly at the iconic VYBK stadium in Kolkata where India emerged victorious in a game that ended with a scoreline of 3-2. Sunil Chhetri, like always, scored a brace while Mizo sniper Jeje Lalphekhlua scored the other goal.

Ever since that encounter, the landscape of football in both the countries has seen a positive change and the upcoming encounter will be a key preparation for both the sides as they gear up for their respective FIFA World Cup Qualifying campaigns next month.

Malaysia lead in head to head standings

In the 24 encounters that have taken place between the two Asian sides, Harimau Malaya have had an upper hand. The ASEAN side emerged victorious 10 times as compared to 7 for the subcontinent side. The remaining 7 fixtures have ended in a draw.

Igor Stimac’s men would be eager to improve the head to head record against his counterpart on Friday. India have named a full strength squad for the tournament as they prepare for bigger challenges in the upcoming months. Aashique Kuruniyan is the notable absentee in the squad name as he picked up an ACL injury in September break During King’s Cup.

Merdeka Cup Showdown 

The upcoming fixture may seem like any other fixture but it is not the case. Malaysia, ranked 134th, are in a mood to get revenge for the defeat in 2011 as well as to steal some big points to improve their FIFA rankings. The fans too, are very much excited for the fixture with reports coming in that the stadium will be full house creating an intimidating atmosphere for the opponents.

All results

1. India vs Malaysia 1-1  (Merdeka Cup) 1/9/1959
2. India vs Malaysia 0-0 (Friendly) 6/5/1960
3. India vs Malaysia 2-1(Merdeka Cup) 9/8/1961
4. India vs Malaysia 1-1 (Merdeka Cup) 24/8/1964
5. India vs Malaysia 3-0 (Merdeka Cup) 21/8/1965 
6. India vs Malaysia 2-1 (Asian Games) 12/12/1966
7. India vs Malaysia 0-0 (Merdeka Cup) 19/08/1967
8. India vs Malaysia 1-2 (Merdeka Cup) 11/08/1968
9. India vs Malaysia 3-1 (Merdeka Cup) 1/08/1970
10. India vs Malaysia 0-4 (Merdeka Cup) 4/08/1973
11. India vs Malaysia 1-4 (Merdeka Cup) 25/07/1974
12. India vs Malaysia 1-5 (Merdeka Cup) 12/08/1976
13. India vs Malaysia 0-4 ( President's Cup) 19/09/1976
14. India vs Malaysia 0-3 (King's Cup) 10/11/1977
15. India vs Malaysia 0-1 (Asian Games) 10/12/1978
16. India vs Malaysia 2-2 (Merdeka Cup) 15/09/1981
17. India vs Malaysia 1-0 (Asian Games) 22/11/1982
18. India vs Malaysia 2-1 (AFC Asian Cup) 14/11/1984
19. India vs Malaysia 0-3 (Merdeka Cup) 14/07/1986
20. India vs Malaysia 2-5 (AFC Asian Cup) 06/03/1996
21. India vs Malaysia 1-2 (Merdeka Cup) 22/06/2001
22. India vs Malaysia 1-1 (Friendly) 22/07/2008
23. India vs Malaysia 1-1(Friendly) 13/11/2011
24. India vs Malaysia 3-2 (Friendly) 16/11/2011

India vs Malaysia: Overall head-to-head record

Games played: 24

India wins: 7

Draws: 7

Malaysia wins: 10