Malaysia announce squad for India friendly in November international break

The Harimau Malaya will also face the Blue Tigers ahead of their AFF Championship games.

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM)  released a 26-man squad ahead of their upcoming international friendlies against Laos and India on November 14 and November 18 respectively. Caretaker head coach Pau Mari Vicente has selected a balanced team of experienced players and promising talents, as the Harimau Malaya look to put on a competitive display in their upcoming friendlies.

The friendly match against India will be a great opportunity for Vicente and “Harimau Malaya” to tinker with his strategies and assess player performances while showing his competency for a full-time role. The results in 2024 showcase a team in transition under the Spaniard and will be hoping to respond following their recent 4-0 loss against New Zealand.

The squad feature a solid mix of players across all positions. The forward line sees the inclusion of Romel Morales and Sergio Ezequiel Agüero, who have played exceptional football in their domestic league and will aim to bring that momentum into the international arena.

The midfield features established players such as Natxo Insa and Mukhairi Ajmal, who will likely be key in controlling the game’s tempo and creating scoring opportunities against the Blue Tigers. The defence remains robust with dependable and experienced names like Dion Cools and Matthew Davies. Goalkeeper Azri Ghani is expected to lead his defence at the back.

Malaysia’s recent performances on the international stage have shown promise. They have two wins and a loss but consistency remains an area to improve. The Harimau Malaya look to build a formidable squad for upcoming regional tournaments and will be facing Laos and Manolo Marquez‘s men before the AFF Championship.

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The match against India is expected to be an intense and tactical contest between two Spanish head coaches, with both teams eager to make significant statements. With a blend of youth and experience, Malaysia will aim to deliver a solid showing on their part and build cohesion within the team.

The Harimau Malaya will be closely watched by their adoring fans who will be looking forward to seeing how Coach Vicente’s selections fare under the bright lights. Malaysia are prepared to showcase their strengths and seek a positive result in this highly anticipated friendly fixture against the “Blue Tigers.”

Although it’s a friendly match, it will be a good test for India as well to increase their confidence and record their first win of the year. However, Malaysia will be looking to capitalise on India’s poor performance in their last six matches.

After facing Laos and India in the international friendlies, the Harimau Malaya will begin their AFF Championship quest. In that competition, their opening game will be against Cambodia on 8th December 2024.

Malaysia announce squad for friendly against Laos & India

Goalkeeper: Syihan Hazmi, Haziq Nadzli, Azri Ghani

Defenders: Matthew Davies, Feroz Baharudin, Haqimi Azim, Harith Haiqal, Dominic Tan, Daniel Ting, Stuart Wilki, Adib Ra’op, Dion Cools

Midfielders: Natxo Insa, Paulo Josue, Nooa Laine, Mukhairi Ajmal, Akhyar Rashid, Safawi Rasid, Syamer Kutty Abba, Azam Azmi, Ubaidullah Shamsul

Forwards: Arif Aiman, Romel Morales, Safwan Mazlan, Sergio Aguero, Syafiq Ahmad

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