The 42nd edition of the Merdeka Cup is set to kick off on October 13, as India lock horns with Malaysia at the Bukit Jalil Stadium in Kuala Lumpur. Initially, apart from these teams, Tajikistan and Palestine were also meant to take part. But, due to the ongoing political situation in the Middle East, Palestine have withdrawn and the winner of this game will face Tajikistan in the final.
Malaysia gained independence on August 31, 1957, and to celebrate that, this tournament has been played since then. However, it is making a return after a long gap of 10 years (the last edition was in 2013). It is classed as a friendly tournament by FIFA but for India’s Blue Tigers, it will be a perfect test to prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and Asian Cup.
In the recent Asian Games, Igor Stimac and a team comprising mostly untested Under-24 players had a disappointing outing. But for this tournament, after announcing 26 probable names, a final 23-man list was announced on Wednesday. Fans will expect a good showing from them as it is a strong squad.
https://twitter.com/IndianFootball/status/1712074754553688387
All the players have joined the team after playing in the Indian Super League for their respective clubs. So, a tough task awaits Stimac when it comes to fielding a solid playing XI against Malaysia, depending on fitness and form. Aashique Kuruniyan is not available due to his ACL injury and Stimac confirmed that Anwar Ali, Subhasish Bose, Manvir Singh and Brandon Fernandes are carrying injuries. As per reports, if Anwar Ali does not play, Mehtab Singh is most likely to replace him in the final playing XI.
Sahal Abdul Samad will be key as he is having a great season with Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the ongoing ISL. In attack, Sunil Chhetri will again lead from the front, while Manvir Singh is the other option. After joining the team, Chettri also asserted that this would be an excellent opportunity and asked for support from the fans.
“It feels good to be back in the national team after winning the Intercontinental Cup and SAFF Championship,” he was quoted as saying by the AIFF. “It will be different here. We are playing away from home, and we’ve heard of the hostile reception we could get on matchday. But it’s not common for us to get to play such matches away from home, and this will be a very good opportunity for us to better our away record. It’s a good test, and we are all looking forward to it. I’ve heard it would be a jam-packed stadium when we play, but I hope a few Indian fans are also there. Being Indians, we tend to get fans wherever we travel, so I hope all the Indian fans, whoever can afford the tickets, can make it to support us against Malaysia,” he further added.
India last played in this tournament in 2001. They have been runners-up twice (1959, 1964). However, after Palestine’s withdrawal, India are now the highest-ranked team (102) in the field, ahead of Tajikistan (110) and Malaysia (134). But, the Harimau Malaya (Tigers of Malaysia) have won this tournament most times, and are currently enjoying a good run of form. In 2023, they have registered six victories so far in nine matches.
In September 2023, they managed to draw with quality opponents like Syria and China. So, it will definitely not be a walk in the park for India, especially in front of the home crowd. In 24 matches so far, India have won only seven times against Malaysia while drawing seven and losing on 10 occasions. In the 2001 Merdeka Cup, Malaysia came out victorious 2-1, but in their last friendly match that took place at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, India won a thriller 3-2 in 2011. Paulo Josue, Malaysia’s Brazilian-born central attacking midfielder, and Safawi Rasid, the skipper, can be the real threats because of their goal-scoring prowess and innovative passing ability. A real Test awaits the Blue Tigers, along with the opportunity to show their progress as a team.