Harimau Malaya Head Coach Confident of 2027 Asian Cup Qualification
Outgoing Harimau Malaya head coach Pau Marti Vicente is confident that the team can make it to the 2027 Asian Cup Finals, despite being pitted against favourites Vietnam in the same group in the third round of the Qualifiers next year.
Growing Team
The 41-year-old Spaniard described the national team as "evolving", with a group of players at the ideal age to lead Malaysia to the prestigious tournament for the second consecutive time. "I always say this team is not static; it’s growing. Most of the players are at a good age and have been playing well together for the past three to four years," he said.
Believing in the Players
Every game is important, and each one will be tough, but Vicente believes in this group of players. "At the end of the day, the coach isn’t the most important (chuckles), the players are. If they stick together, fight for each other and continue to grow as a group, I believe they can reach (the Asian Cup Finals)," he said.
Challenging Group
Malaysia will kick off their Group F campaign in the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers with an away match against Nepal on March 25, 2025. The national team will face stiff competition from Vietnam, Nepal, and Laos, with only the group winners qualifying for the Finals in Saudi Arabia.
National Defender’s View
National defender Dominic Tan echoed Vicente’s sentiments, saying that every international game is very difficult. "Vietnam is one of the biggest (footballing) nations in Asia that we have to look out for, but every tournament we go into is a challenge for us and we definitely want to do our best," he said.
Historic Qualification
Malaysia made history when they ended a 42-year wait by qualifying on merit for the 2023 Asian Cup Finals in Qatar this year. Under the then head coach Kim Pan Gon, Malaysia finished at the bottom of Group E after losing 4-0 to Jordan and 1-0 to Bahrain before notching a memorable 3-3 draw against two-time champions South Korea in their final group match.
Conclusion
Malaysia’s head coach and players are confident of a strong showing in the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers, despite being in a challenging group. With a growing team and a never-say-die attitude, Malaysia is set to give it their all in their quest to reach the Finals in Saudi Arabia.
FAQs
Q: What is Malaysia’s group in the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers?
A: Malaysia is in Group F, alongside Vietnam, Nepal, and Laos.
Q: Who is Malaysia’s head coach for the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers?
A: Pau Marti Vicente is the outgoing head coach of Harimau Malaya.
Q: What is the format of the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers?
A: The group winners will qualify for the Finals in Saudi Arabia.