India vs Malaysia: A rivalry steeped in history- Preview

India and Malaysia are set to meet for the 33rd time in international football on November 18, 2024, at the GMC Balayogi Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad. This match adds another chapter to one of India’s most enduring football rivalries, which began with their first encounter in 1957.

The two teams first faced off in a friendly in Kuala Lumpur, where India secured a 3-0 victory.

Since then, they have met 32 times, making Malaysia India's most frequent opponent. Both teams have 12 wins each, with eight matches ending in draws.

The balance in their head-to-head record reflects the competitive nature of this fixture.

Their most recent clash was in the 2023 Merdeka Tournament semi-final in Malaysia, where the hosts triumphed 4-2. India will look to even the score, while Malaysia aims to maintain their upper hand.

What’s at Stake?

While the match is officially a friendly, it carries significant importance. Both teams see it as a crucial preparation for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers starting in March 2025.

Although Malaysia cannot surpass India in the FIFA rankings before the draw for the qualifiers, the game will test their readiness for the tough road ahead.

India, ranked 125th, and Malaysia, ranked 133rd, have shown promise in recent matches.

Malaysia comes into the game fresh from a 3-1 victory over Laos, while India recently earned a respectable 1-1 draw against Vietnam.

Key Players

India’s squad features nine players from their last encounter with Malaysia, including Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Sandesh Jhingan, and Lallianzuala Chhangte.

Malaysia also retains 14 players from that match, including Dion Cools and young winger Arif Aiman, who play key roles for the team.

Both sides have new Spanish coaches at the helm.

India’s Manolo Márquez and Malaysia’s Pau Martí bring tactical expertise and familiarity with each other from their shared time in Spain. Márquez praised Martí’s approach, calling the upcoming match a “tough game for both sides.”

The Bigger Picture

Malaysia’s squad includes a mix of domestic players and foreign-born talent, reflecting the team's evolving strategy.

Similarly, India is relying on a core group of experienced players and fresh talent.

Both teams have been training intensively for this match.

Malaysia will arrive in Hyderabad on November 16, holding their final training session at the stadium a day before the game. Meanwhile, India has been training at the Hyderabad FC Training Ground.

Where to Watch

Fans can catch the action live on JioCinema and Sports 18. Tickets are available on ticketgenie.in.