Malaysia’s Draw Against India in Friendly Match
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 (Bernama) — Malaysia’s Harimau Malaya team had a mixed performance in their Tier 1 international friendly match against India at the Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad tonight, ending in a 1-1 draw.
Controversy Surrounds JDT Players’ Early Return
The controversy surrounding three Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) players returning early from national duty after a request made by JDT to release the players from the Harimau Malaya squad ahead of tonight’s clash still lingered on. Despite this, the remaining boys came up with a positive performance, absorbing the pressure and early cheer of the home team before taking the lead.
Malaysia Takes the Lead
A mistake by Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who failed to clear Muhammad Azam Azmi Murad’s long-range pass outside the box, saw naturalised striker Paulo Josue calmly unleash a powerful shot into the net in the 19th minute.
India Equalises
However, the situation did not last long when Manolo Marquez’s India equalised after Rahul Bheke managed to get past the Malaysian defence to head in Brandon Fernandes’ corner kick in the 38th minute.
Second Half Intensity
Both teams maintained their intensity well into the second half, seeking another goal to extend their advantage. From one such attack, Daniel Ting came close from a tight angle but his attempt was saved by Gurpreet Singh. A minute later, the Malaysian side was momentarily anxious when the Blue Tigers squad launched a quick counter-attack into the penalty box, but the opportunity failed to be converted by Lallianzuala Chhangte as his shot soared high.
Missed Opportunities
The national team once again missed the opportunity to regain the lead after substitute Muhammad Safawi Rasid’s scissor kick in the penalty box was deflected off target in the 69th minute. Luck was not on the side of Vicente’s men when substitute Fergus Tierney’s header only bounced off the post before Gurpreet Singh did brilliantly to save Muhammad Safawi’s follow-up shot in second-half extra time.
Result
Tonight’s result saw Malaysia successfully block India’s mission to take revenge after losing 2-4 in the Pestabola Merdeka 2023 action here.
Preparations for 2024 ASEAN Championship
For the record, Vicente made seven changes in his first team compared to when they beat Laos 3-1 in another Tier 1 international friendly in Bangkok last Thursday as the team prepare for the 2024 ASEAN Championship, which is scheduled to start next month.
Malaysia’s 2024 ASEAN Championship Schedule
Malaysia, the 2010 champions drawn in Group A, will kick off their campaign against Cambodia in Phnom Penh on Dec 8, followed by Timor-Leste here (Dec 11) before facing defending champions Thailand in Bangkok (Dec 14) and Singapore here on Dec 20.
Conclusion
Malaysia’s draw against India in the friendly match was a mixed bag, with the team showing flashes of brilliance but also missing opportunities to take the lead. The controversy surrounding the JDT players’ early return added to the drama of the match, but ultimately, the team’s performance was a positive step towards their preparations for the 2024 ASEAN Championship.
FAQs
Q: What was the score in the friendly match between Malaysia and India?
A: The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Q: Why did the JDT players return early from national duty?
A: The JDT players returned early from national duty after a request made by JDT to release the players from the Harimau Malaya squad ahead of the match.
Q: What is the schedule for Malaysia’s 2024 ASEAN Championship campaign?
A: Malaysia will kick off their campaign against Cambodia in Phnom Penh on Dec 8, followed by Timor-Leste here (Dec 11) before facing defending champions Thailand in Bangkok (Dec 14) and Singapore here on Dec 20.