China friendlies to shape Harimau Malaya's future

JAKARTA: Malaysia's national team, Harimau Malaya, will face China in two Tier 1 international friendlies next month in Guangzhou, according to interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe. The matches aim to help Cheng Hoe identify players for the team's future, as well as test them against a strong opponent. Cheng Hoe believes the matches will provide valuable insights for the coaching staff, allowing them to assess the team's options and build a more competitive squad for upcoming tournaments.

The 58-year-old coach emphasized that the friendlies would be crucial in preparing the team for the future and hoped they would help them identify reliable players for the long term. The FA of Malaysia (FAM) president, Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan, confirmed the matches against China, scheduled for November 14 and 17, and explained that they would be essential for Malaysia's efforts to secure a better seeding for the 2030 World Cup and 2032 Asian Cup qualifying campaigns.

Malaysia currently holds the world ranking of No. 136, while China is ranked No. 91. Their last meeting, a Tier 1 international friendly, ended in a 1-1 draw in Chengdu in September 2023. The upcoming Guangzhou matches will serve as another test for Harimau Malaya, particularly after their FIFA Asean Cup campaign, as Cheng Hoe seeks to evaluate the players available for the national team's next phase.