KUALA LUMPUR: Harimau Malaya head coach Pau Marti Vicente is not worried despite losing several key players ahead of their second international friendly against India at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad, India tomorrow. That’s because he believes the national team has many other players capable of shouldering the responsibility when they take on world number 125 India.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Vicente expressed confidence in his squad, emphasizing the depth of talent available. “We know that a player like Arif Aiman (Mohd Hanapi) is very good because his style of play is of international level. However, we also have other talented players and will ensure proper preparations are made for the tie against India,” he stated during the pre-match press conference in Hyderabad.

A recent Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) media statement revealed that three key players – Arif Aiman, Muhammad Feroz Baharudin, and Matthew Davies – had been released to play in the Malaysia Cup, which starts next week,
after receiving a request from their club Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).

Vicente noted that although Malaysia defeated India 4-2 in the Merdeka Football Tournament last year, the current situation is different, and that result should not serve as a benchmark. “We beat India last year, but now their team is stronger, and this will be a big challenge for us. For sure tomorrow’s match will be interesting, and we hope to record a victory to improve our world ranking,” he added.

Despite the short preparation time, Vicente mentioned that he has devised a strategy aimed at preventing India from exacting revenge. “India are a good team and they are also looking for a win after many matches, we have to be ready to face their challenge,” he said.

On Thursday, Vicente’s team secured a 3-1 victory against Laos in their first international friendly at the PAT Stadium in Bangkok.