India vs Malaysia Football Friendly: Marquez’s Side Seeks First Win of 2024

The Indian men’s football team is set to face Malaysia in an international friendly match at the GMC Balayogi Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad on November 18, 2024. This match marks a crucial opportunity for India to secure their first win of the year, having gone without a victory in 11 games, with their last win dating back to November 16, 2023.

Under the leadership of head coach Manolo Marquez, India has drawn 0-0 with Mauritius, lost 0-3 to Syria, and drawn 1-1 with Vietnam in their previous outings. Marquez, who has been in charge for three games, is still seeking his first win with the national team.

Malaysia, ranked 133 in FIFA rankings compared to India’s 125, has had a relatively positive run recently. They won the Merdeka Tournament in September under new caretaker coach Pau Marti, defeating Philippines and Lebanon, though they suffered a 4-0 loss to New Zealand before bouncing back with a 3-1 win against Laos.

The match is significant not only for the immediate result but also for the upcoming 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. Regardless of the outcome, India will maintain their position in Pot 1 for the qualifiers, while Malaysia will be in Pot 2.

India’s squad includes the return of defender Sandesh Jhingan and the debut of Irfan Yadwad, while Malaysia will rely on the energetic and prolific Safawi Rasid, who has been a key player in their recent successes.

The match will be telecasted on the Sports 18 Network and live-streamed on JioCinema, with a kickoff time of 7:30 PM IST.