{
  "id": 14170023,
  "title": "Harimau Malaya to face China, Yemen in November friendlies",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/harimau-malaya-to-face-china-yemen-in-november-friendlies",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-13T09:50:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/10/1554579/harimau-malaya-face-china-yemen-november-friendlies"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysia will face two international friendlies in Guangzhou next month, according to the FA of Malaysia (FAM). The matches against China and Yemen are scheduled for November 14th and 17th, respectively. The FAM announced the fixtures on Tuesday, following an updated schedule from the Chinese Football Association (CFA).\n\nChina currently holds the 96th position in the FIFA world rankings, while Malaysia and Yemen are 133rd and 144th, respectively. These matches will present Malaysia with challenging opponents, given their current rankings. The national team's recent third-place finish at the inaugural FIFA Asean Cup earlier this month provides valuable experience for this upcoming competition.\n\nInterim coach Malaysia achieved a 1-0 victory over Vietnam in the bronze medal match, with Fergus Tierney scoring the winning goal in the 62nd minute. Harimau Malaya also demonstrated their defensive prowess throughout the tournament, posting four consecutive clean sheets.\n\nThe November fixtures will be crucial for Malaysia's efforts to improve their FIFA ranking. FAM president Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan emphasized the importance of accumulating ranking points before the draws for the 2030 World Cup-2032 Asian Cup qualifiers.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will face China and Yemen in international friendlies in Guangzhou next month after the FA of Malaysia (FAM) received an updated schedule from the Chinese Football Association (CFA).",
  "key_points": [
    "Malaysia to play China and Yemen in November friendlies",
    "Matches scheduled for November 14th and 17th",
    "FAM president emphasizes ranking points importance"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}