Latest news with #HARIMAUMalaya
The Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Harimau Malaya's late exit disrupts CAFA Nations Cup 2025 plans
HARIMAU Malaya's last-minute withdrawal from the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup 2025 has disrupted tournament preparations, with organisers citing advanced planning stages as a key challenge. The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) pulled out after the event dates (August 29 to September 8) conflicted with the FIFA international window (September 1-9), limiting player availability. CAFA clarified that player registrations could have been adjusted per match, stating, 'The final registration of players - selected from a preliminary list of 35 - can be submitted on a match-by-match basis.' This flexibility, it noted, would have allowed key players to join later stages. FAM earlier explained the decision stemmed from logistical and squad preparation hurdles. Despite Malaysia's exit, CAFA reaffirmed its commitment to hosting a competitive tournament. Group B, initially featuring Malaysia, Tajikistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, will proceed without the national team. - Bernama
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Harimau Malaya rises to 125th in latest FIFA rankings
HARIMAU Malaya have moved up six places to 125th in the latest FIFA world rankings, achieving their highest position in almost two decades. The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) announced the positive development on its official social media channels. The team's improvement follows a solid 1-1 draw against Cape Verde in a friendly match in May and a dominant 4-0 victory over Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers last month. These results contributed significantly to their upward trajectory in the rankings. Within Southeast Asia, Thailand leads at 102nd, followed by Vietnam at 113th and Indonesia at 118th. Globally, Argentina retains the top spot, with Spain, France, and England completing the top four. – Bernama
The Sun
04-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Clash against World Cup qualifiers Iran - a true test of Harimau Malaya's progress
HARIMAU Malaya head coach Peter Cklamovski is taking on the challenge that awaits his team at the upcoming CAFA Nations Cup, especially the clash against tournament favourites and World Cup qualifiers Iran. Describing the showdown as a major yardstick for Malaysia's development, Cklamovski said, 'It's a massive challenge for us, a massive opportunity. ALSO READ: Draw with Cape Verde shows Harimau Malaya's steady progress - Cklamovski 'They're going to a World Cup. We'll use it to benchmark ourselves against the best, test our football against them, and take our football to them as hard as we can,' he told New Straits Times. Drawn in a formidable Group B alongside Iran (world No. 18), hosts Tajikistan (104) and Afghanistan (160), Malaysia (ranked 131) will have to deliver consistent performances in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, from August 29 to September 8. This marks Cklamovski's first major international assignment on foreign soil, following a promising start to his tenure with two home victories in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers – a 2-0 win over Nepal in Johor and a commanding 4-0 triumph over Vietnam at Bukit Jalil. The tournament kicks off for Malaysia with a fiery clash against Tajikistan on August 29 – a fixture Cklamovski is anticipating to be high-octane. 'It'll be a hostile environment. I'm sure the atmosphere will be electric and a really good test for us,' he said. Next, Malaysia will face defending champions Iran on September 1, before wrapping up the group stage against Afghanistan on September 4. Only the group winners will progress to the final in Tashkent on September 8, while runners-up will battle for third place in Dushanbe. Over in Group A, hosts Uzbekistan (57) will compete against Oman (77), Kyrgyzstan (103), and Turkmenistan (142) in Tashkent. Cklamovski sees the tournament as vital preparation ahead of Malaysia's crucial Asian Cup qualifying double-header against Laos in October. 'We're in a challenging CAFA group, and that's exactly what we want. 'We want to test ourselves against well-respected opponents. That's how we grow, evolve, and keep pushing towards the team we dream to be,' he said. With tight schedules, travel demands, and hostile venues, the CAFA Nations Cup provides the kind of intensity Malaysia must adapt to if they hope to elevate their game. 'We want to go into the group stage with the belief we can do something special. 'Importantly, we want to put together a team and a brand of football that makes every Malaysian proud to watch,' he said.
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Ex-Malaysia Footballer Baddrol Bakhtiar Sits With Regular Fans
HARIMAU Malaya football legend Baddrol Bakhtiar captured hearts nationwide when he attended Malaysia's match against Vietnam at Bukit Jalil National Stadium yesterday. However, it wasn't just his presence that got people talking. The former national team star, who now serves as Gurun state assemblyman as well as Kedah state exco, showed up to support the Harimau Malaya squad in true grassroots fashion – sitting on the stadium seats alongside regular fans without any VIP treatment. Baddrol attended the match with Larut MP Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin and Kota Bharu MP Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, but his humble gesture of forgoing special seating arrangements to sit with ordinary supporters has since gone viral on social media. In a TikTok video posted on his account, the sight of the football icon, despite his current political status, choosing to experience the match like any other passionate fan has deeply moved Malaysian sports enthusiasts. 'You are the real hero of the Malaysian team. Best thing about Baddrol – former national player sitting in regular stands with no special treatment, no problem at all,' wrote ZaidZairazi. 'No need to sit in VIP seats. Great to share seats with 61,000 supporters. Salute!' commented user Ehkucai. 'Excellent that YB still comes to support Harimau Malaya because he was once part of the national team,' added Junaidimohdtahir. The heartwarming display of humility from the football legend has resonated with fans across the country, with many praising his down-to-earth approach and unwavering support for Malaysian football despite his transition into full-time politics. Baddrol's gesture perfectly embodies the spirit of Malaysian football – where passion transcends status and true legends remain connected to their roots.
