Kuala lumpur: Harimau Malaya is gearing up for two Tier 1 international football friendlies this September, facing Singapore and Palestine as part of their preparations for the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, national team head coach Peter Cklamovski announced that the ‘Causeway Derby’ against Singapore, currently ranked 159th in the world, is scheduled for September 4. They will then face Palestine, ranked 98th globally, on September 8. Although the venue for these matches has not been confirmed, Cklamovski expressed hope that they will be held at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Cklamovski emphasized the strategic selection of these opponents, highlighting their unique attributes which will test and aid in the development of the squad. This follows Malaysia’s impressive 4-0 victory over Vietnam in their second Group F match of the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers last month.
‘Singapore’s a good team. The game will have a lot of emotions. It’s a derby and we look forward to it. It’s not so much about rankings, where they place. It’s going to be a tough game,’ Cklamovski stated. He underscored the significance of challenging Palestine, noting their qualification for the 2027 Asian Cup and their top-100 ranking, as an opportunity to evaluate Malaysia’s standing against a formidable opponent.
The upcoming friendlies are seen as crucial for player development and tactical enhancement. Cklamovski reiterated the team’s goal of winning both matches, despite their recent success against Vietnam.
Reflecting on the victory, Cklamovski remarked, ‘Yes, we played well, we scored some good goals, we could have scored more. Positive night, special night at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. It’ll stay with me forever, but it’s just three points gained. Now, we know what we can keep getting better at. That’s what we take with us into September.’
Malaysia, ranked 125th globally, is set to travel to Laos, ranked 185th, on October 9 for their third Group F match of the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers before hosting them on October 14. Malaysia currently leads Group F with six points, followed by Vietnam and Laos with three points each, and Nepal, ranked 176th, with no points.