Latest news with #MerdekaTournament
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
FAM's late CAFA Cup withdrawal a bad look for Malaysian football
KUALA LUMPUR: Football critic Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli has taken aim at the FA of Malaysia (FAM) for withdrawing Harimau Malaya from the CAFA Nations Cup (Aug 29-Sept 8), urging the national body to own up to its mistake. Pekan said the last-minute withdrawal from the Central Asian tournament has left Malaysian football's image in tatters and risks souring ties with regional football authorities. "We need to be honest. This wasn't CAFA's mistake. We knew from the start the early matches didn't fall within the Fifa window, yet we still agreed to take part," he said. "This should have been studied earlier. You can't say you only found out now. Was it overconfidence in securing heritage players? Logistical problems? "All of this should have been considered in advance, including the consequences of losing without key players, which could have seriously damaged our ranking and reputation." Malaysia's withdrawal — more than a month before the Aug 29 kick-off — came after it became clear that assembling a full-strength squad, especially heritage players based overseas, would not be feasible due to scheduling conflicts and travel challenges. While FAM has yet to publicly accept responsibility, Pekan believes the handling of the matter could trigger a diplomatic fallout in regional football. "When you pull out at the eleventh hour, it looks like you're blaming others. CAFA has already said they're not happy with how it was handled. Maybe they had everything in place — logistics and all — and now we're the ones pulling out. That hurts the relationship," he said. Pekan also warned of a growing backlash from fans and netizens. "This is the reality the management has to face. Yes, maybe we protected our ranking, and that's one silver lining. If we had gone and lost without our best players, our FIFA ranking (No. 125) could have dropped. "But that still doesn't erase the bad impression we've created." He criticised what he sees as a strategic miscalculation, believing that the team could compete in CAFA with a full-strength squad. "There was an assumption they could get everyone. When that didn't happen, they made a drastic call that hurt the country's image. "They didn't want to risk a ranking drop or spoil their unbeaten run, so they pulled out. It shows they were more focused on preserving stats than giving others a chance." Pekan added that the decision not only affected ties with CAFA but also disrupted plans at home, including the now-cancelled Merdeka Tournament, which may be revived as a last-minute replacement. "Maybe they scrapped the Merdeka Tournament earlier because of the CAFA event. Now they need to revive it or organise matches with other nations — during the proper Fifa window. "If it's from Sept 1-9, and they want matches to prepare, they won't get the full team. At best, it'll just be internal prep. "Some may say — just go with whoever's available. But clearly, the management didn't want to risk the ranking. They chose the safer path — protecting results and image, even if it hurts our international credibility." Pekan concluded by calling on FAM to take responsibility. "This isn't just football. It's about international relations. CAFA is a regional governing body, and now we've damaged that relationship.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Historic Merdeka Tournament back on the cards for Harimau Malaya
KUALA LUMPUR: The historic Merdeka Tournament could be hosted in September following Malaysia's withdrawal from the CAFA Nations Cup. National coach Peter Cklamovski dropped a strong hint that the tournament — regarded as Asia's oldest — is back on the table after logistical issues forced Harimau Malaya to pull out of the CAFA event, which was scheduled to be held in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan from Aug 29-Sept 8. With no fixtures currently lined up for the Sept 1-9 Fifa international window, Cklamovski confirmed the team are actively working on alternatives, with the Merdeka Tournament among the options. "I won't rule that (Merdeka Tournament) out. It's an option," said Cklamovski. "What matters more is who we can play and how much we're challenged. I think we'll be able to confirm something soon." First held in 1957 to mark Malaysia's independence, the Merdeka Tournament was once Asia's premier international competition, featuring the likes of South Korea, Japan, and even Argentina. However, it has been held only sporadically in recent years. Malaysia won last year's edition for the first time in 11 years. Before that, the national Under-23 team won it in 2013 after beating Myanmar 2-0 in the final. Cklamovski stressed the national team will not waste the upcoming window, even if no tournament is finalised. "September is planning mode for us. Nothing is confirmed yet, but we'll try to face the best opponents available," he said. "We want to use that period to keep building our identity and develop our style of play." The Merdeka Tournament will serve as vital preparation ahead of Malaysia's Asian Cup qualifying fixtures — against Laos on Oct 9 and 14, and Nepal on Nov 18. FAM secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman had previously stated that the Merdeka Tournament would not be held this year due to the CAFA commitments. But with the CAFA Nations Cup now off the calendar, the door is open once more — although securing quality opponents on short notice could prove challenging, with many teams already locked into their September schedules.
The Star
08-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Syamer ready to fight for greater role and more playtime after joining KL
New challenge: Syamer Kutty Abba posing for a photograph after signing for Kuala Lumpur. — Kuala Lumpur City PETALING JAYA: Syamer Kutty Abba is ready for the grind, and he's picked the heart of the city to prove he belongs at the top. The 27-year-old defensive midfielder has made the move to Kuala Lumpur, on-loan from Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), in search of greater responsibility and consistent game time. 'I was encouraged by JDT to join KL's challenge for the new season,' said the 42-cap Malaysian international. 'When I heard their plans, I was all in. It's a new challenge, and it pushes me to fight for my place.' That fight won't come easily. The competition in KL's midfield is fierce, with established names like Kenny Pallraj, Zhafri Yahya, Ryan Lambert, and Arif Syaqirin already in the squad. On top of that, two foreign midfielders, both reportedly from Spain, are set to join the fray. But for Syamer, that only raises the stakes and his drive. 'All the midfielders here are versatile and bring different strengths. I know I have to be at my best every day to earn my spot in the starting eleven.' In just five days of training, Syamer has already made his presence felt with his trademark intensity and tactical discipline. Kuala Lumpur's coaching staff see him as a potential midfield enforcer, a hardman who can dictate the tempo and break up opposition play. For Syamer, the bigger picture remains clear, he wants to be back in the Harimau Malaya jersey. Despite the emergence of several mixed heritage players and new options in central midfield, Syamer believes his experience and hunger still give him a seat at the table. 'When it comes to the national team, I'll do whatever it takes to wear that jersey. 'It's a pride and honour. From the day I turned professional, my goal has always been to represent Malaysia.' And the credentials are there. He was part of the side that lifted the 2024 Merdeka Tournament, finished as runner-up in the 2019 AFF Suzuki Cup, and was even named in the tournament's best XI. 'In life, you've got to keep pushing to be better. In football, there's always something to learn. At KL, I want minutes, I want growth, and I want to fight my way back into the national team.' With his mindset and motivation, Syamer's return to the top could just be a matter of time.
New Straits Times
05-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Dollah Salleh tips Harimau Malaya to shock big guns
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia may be newcomers at the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup, but Datuk Dollah Salleh believes Harimau Malaya are ready to spring a surprise. The former international, who is now a FAM vice president, said the quality and depth of the current squad give Malaysia a real chance of causing upsets at the Central Asian tournament. "I wouldn't be surprised if Malaysia cause an upset. This is an opportunity to show what we're truly capable of. We've proven ourselves by beating Vietnam. That win shouldn't be seen as a one-off," said Dollah. Malaysia, ranked 131st in the world, are in Group B with hosts Tajikistan (104th), defending champions Iran (18th) and Afghanistan (160th). Dollah believes Malaysia's current generation of players are mentally and tactically prepared. "Iran were already among the best when I played them, and they've maintained that level. But even back then, we had chances against them. We lost 2-0, but we weren't outclassed. "If our players maintain the same hunger and performance as we saw against Vietnam (Malaysia won 4-0 in an Asian Cup qualifier in Kuala Lumpur on June 10), then Iran isn't an issue. It's about how we play, not who we play." Dollah, one of Malaysia's most decorated footballers, helped the national team beat South Korea 3-1 in the 1993 Merdeka Tournament. "To me, there's not much difference now. We can make a surprise. This is the best team we've had in a long time, so why not?" he said. Malaysia's participation in CAFA will also help the team prepare for their 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. Malaysia, under coach Peter Cklamovski, will begin their CAFA campaign against hosts Tajikistan on Aug 29 in Dushanbe before facing Iran on Sept 1 and Afghanistan on Sept 4. Group A, in Tashkent, features hosts Uzbekistan (world No. 57), Kyrgyzstan (103rd), Turkmenistan (142nd) and Oman (77th). Uzbekistan, like Iran, have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, raising the competitive standard of the CAFA tournament even further.
The Hindu
10-06-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Bangladesh vs Singapore — Form guide, preview, BD v BTN head-to-head, live streaming info
When Bangladesh plays Singapore in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup third-round qualifier in Dhaka on Tuesday, it will be hoping to build on its impressive 2025 start. The Bengal Tigers recently defeated Bhutan 1-0 in a friendly match and held top-seeded India to a draw in Shillong earlier this year. Hamza Choudhury, who switched nations and made his debut for Bangladesh this year, will still be the centre of attention. After a successful season with Sheffield United, he continues to garner notice after scoring his maiden goal for his country against Bhutan. Form guide: Bangladesh Win: Bangladesh 2-0 Bhutan - June 4, 2025 Draw: India 0-0 Bangladesh – March 25, 2025 Win: Bangladesh 2-1 Maldives – November 16, 2024 Loss: Bangladesh 0-1 Maldives – November 13, 2024 Loss: Bhutan 1-0 Bangladesh – September 8, 24 Form guide: Singapore Draw: Singapore 0-0 Hong Kong - March 25, 2025 Loss: Vietnam 3-1 Singapore - December 29, 2024 Loss: Singapore 0-2 Vietnam - December 26, 2024 Draw: Malaysia 0-0 Singapore - December 20, 2024 Loss: Singapore 2-4 Thailand - December 17, 2024 ALSO READ: Bangladesh squad for Singapore clash — Hamza Choudhury, Fahamedul included in AFC Asian Cup qualifier Head-to-Head: Bangladesh vs Bhutan : Total Matches: 5, Bangladesh:4, Bhutan: 1 August 2, 1973: Draw - Singapore 1-1 Bangladesh - Merdeka Tournament May 30, 2015: Loss - Bangladesh 1-2 Singapore - International Friendly When and where will Bangladesh vs Singapore be played? The AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier between Bangladesh and Singapore will be played at the National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7 pm local time (6:30 pm IST). How to watch Bangladesh vs Singapore AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier? The AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier between Bangladesh and Singapore will be broadcast on T Sports in Bangladesh. It will not be available for broadcast or live stream in India.
