Merdeka Cup 2023: India lock horns with host Malaysia in semi-final

India and Malaysia have faced off against each other 24 times

After a good performance in the recently concluded Asian Games, the Blue Tigers shift their focus to their next assignment in the form of the Merdeka Cup. Igor Stimac and company have flown to Malaysia to take part in the friendly tournament.

The 2023 Merdeka Cup will be the 42nd edition of the championship. It was earlier planned as a four-nation tournament, but now will only be played between hosts Malaysia, India and Tajikistan after Palestine pulled out of the championship.

India will face off against hosts Malaysia on October 13 in the semi-final. And on that note, let us take a look at how things stand ahead of this game.

The Stakes

Malaysia

The stakes are very high for Malaysia as they are the host nation of the Merdeka Cup. Although they are the lowest ranked team in the tournament, they still are one of the best teams and can hurt anyone on their day.

The Malayan Tigers have won the Merdeka Cup 10 times and have finished as the Runner-up twice in 41 years which also makes them the most successful team in the history of the championship. They come into this game on the back of winning six out of their last nine games and will be keen to put up another good performance.

India

India also has a lot to play for. After a fairy-tale start to 2023, things have gone slightly off the track for the Blue Tigers. They finished 4th in the King’s Cup before crashing out of the Asian Games following a defeat to Saudi Arabia. 

Igor Stimac’s side needs to go all out against Malaysia to redeem themselves following a few disappointing results. The Blue Tigers will be keen to win the Merdeka Cup for the very first time as India has never won the championship, but has two runners up finishes to its name. 

Head-to-Head

India and Malaysia have faced off against each other 24 times. India has won seven times while Malaysia have 10 wins to its name. And the remaining seven matches have ended in a draw.

Team News

Malaysia are expected to have a fully fit squad, other than attacking-midfielder Paulo Josue who is down with Dengue. While Jeakson Singh is most likely ruled out of India’s squad due to an injury.

Predicted Line-up

Malaysia

Syihan Hazmi (GK), Matthew Davies, Dominic Tan, Dion Cools, Corbin-Ong, Endrick, Brendan Gan, Stuart Wilkin, Faisal Halim, Safawi Rasid(C), Akhyar Rashid.

India

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Nikhil Poojary, Sandesh Jhingan, Anwar Ali, Akash Mishra, Suresh Singh, Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad, Mahesh Naorem, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Sunil Chhetri (C)

Players to watch

Safawi Rasid (Malaysia)

Famously known for his tricks and silky movements with the ball, Safawi Rashid is one of the most influential players in Malaysian national team setup. He is very versatile and can operate seamlessly both as a winger and a striker.

Rasid is also known for his ability to make things happen from s free-kick. He can score wonder goals and has what it takes to find the back of the net. He has scored 20 goals in 54 appearances and is currently Malaysia’s top active goal scorer and eighth overall.

Lallianzuala Chhangte (India)

Chhangte has developed so much as a player over the last few years. He can make things happen with his magical left foot. His quick to react ability coupled with his pace and trickery is what makes him even more dangerous upfront.

Chhangte has been in great form for the national team. He scored seven goals in 28 matches for India, including three goals in 2023. He will have a huge role to play for India in the attacking half.

Did You Know?

• India will face Malaysia for the first time since 2011.
• India has finished as the runners-up twice in 1956 & 1964.
• Malaysia are ranked 32 places below India, but still have a better head-to-head record against India.

Telecast

The 2023 Merdeka Cup clash between India and Malaysia will be played on October 13 at 6:30 PM IST at the Bukit Jalil Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The match will be live telecasted on Eurosport channel and will be live streamed on Indian Football Facebook page.