Harimau Malaya prepare for Bangladesh test following India withdrawal

KUALA LUMPUR: Interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe of Harimau Malaya acknowledges he has yet to obtain official confirmation from the FA of Malaysia (FAM) regarding Bangladesh replacing India in the FIFA Asean Cup. He emphasizes that Harimau Malaya must be ready for any team that steps up to face them. So far, he has not received any confirmation from FAM.

However, through social media, he is aware that Bangladesh has been invited to join the group. Harimau Malaya must prepare for the tournament while continuing to work hard. Bangladesh, currently ranked 181st, accepted the invitation to replace India after the AIFF could not participate in both the FIFA Asean Cup and a scheduled friendly match in Brazil on October 3 in Kolkata.

India was part of Group A alongside hosts Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Cheng Hoe insists that the late change does not significantly alter Harimau Malaya's approach. Instead, he wants to focus on putting together the strongest possible team and ensuring his players are in peak condition. He hopes the players will be in good shape after their ongoing Asean Hyundai Cup, which falls outside the FIFA calendar, and that they will come prepared for the upcoming tournament.

The Division One competition, involving eight teams, is scheduled from September 24 to October 4. Group B consists of Vietnam, Pakistan, Thailand, and the Philippines. The matches will be held at two venues in Indonesia, Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta and Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung.