In an intriguing international friendly, India’s national football team is looking for its first win of the year as it prepares to take on old rivals Malaysia on Monday in Hyderabad . Under head coach Manolo Marquez, the stakes are high.
Hyderabad, Nov 17 (PTI) – Team India, looking to end a streak of disappointing results, will welcome experienced defender Sandesh Jhingan. The match marks Jhingan’s return to the field almost ten months after his last appearance for the national colors at the AFC Asian Cup in January, after recovering from a serious ACL injury.
To date, the Indian team has participated in ten matches this year, recording six defeats and four draws. Since Marquez took charge in July, the team has played three matches, drawing two and suffering just one defeat.
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India looking for first win of the year against familiar opponents Malaysia in highly anticipated friendly
Recent results have been disappointing, with a draw against Mauritius and a 0-3 loss to Syria in the Intercontinental Cup at the Gachibowli Stadium, which will also be the venue for Monday’s clash. Their last performances ended in a 1-1 draw against Vietnam on October 12.
With a win evading them for some time, if India don’t seize the opportunity on Monday, they will end the year without a win in 11 matches. This match is of great importance as it could be India’s last competitive engagement before the 2027 Asia Cup qualifiers begin in March.
The rivalry between India and Malaysia in football is historic, dating back to their first meeting in a friendly match in 1957, where India won with a score of 3-0. Going back to the semi-final of last year’s Merdeka tournament, it was Malaysia who triumphed 4-2. Out of the 32 matches played, the two nations each claimed 12 victories, while eight matches ended in draws.
In the FIFA rankings, India is ranked 125th, while Malaysia follows closely at 133rd, illustrating the small margins that separate the two teams.
Malaysia enters this meeting strengthened by a 3-1 friendly victory against Laos on November 14, adding to the competitive atmosphere of this duel. With nine players from Merdeka’s semi-final present in the current Indian squad, including names like Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Jhingan himself, familiarity will play a crucial role.
Likewise, there is continuity within the Malaysian camp, with 14 players from their recent selection. Notable names include young winger Arif Aiman of Johor Darul Ta’zim FC, as well as defender Dion Cools, who plays in Thailand.
Both teams have undergone coaching changes since their last meeting, with Manolo and Malaysian coach Pau Martí, both Spaniards, showcasing their expertise. Both appointed in July, their contrasting experiences shape the gripping tale of this coming clash.
As Manolo remarkably observed, “They (Malaysia) are playing good football and it will be a tough game for both teams”, setting the scene for an exciting afternoon of football.
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