KUALA LUMPUR, March 4 (Bernama) -- The national squad should undergo at least one international friendly match as preparation ahead of their final Group F 2027 Asian Cup qualifying match against Vietnam in Ninh Binh on March 31.
Local football analyst Datuk Dr. Pekan Ramli said the move is vital to ensure Harimau Malaya players obtain sufficient match time and improve fitness levels before the important clash.
He added that a friendly match also provides the national head coach an opportunity to test tactics, game systems, and try out new formations.
"In my view, it is only right for Harimau Malaya to hold at least one friendly match ahead of the critical Asian Cup qualification meeting against Vietnam at the end of this month.
"I believe the Harimau Malaya management is well aware and sensitive to this matter, especially since the national team last saw action quite a while ago in November last year (a 1-0 win over Nepal)," he said when contacted by Bernama.
At the same time, Pekan said the warm-up match could also be used to test new players, including naturalised players, should they be eligible to represent the country.
"This might also be an opportunity to try out new naturalised players such as Bergson (Johor Darul Ta’zim's Brazilian import striker, Bergson Da Silva), who is reportedly eligible to play for the country in the match against Vietnam," he said.
He expects the match against Vietnam to be intense, with the result likely decided by a narrow margin between the two teams.
"Failing to hold a friendly match before the important encounter against Vietnam is something that should not happen," he added.
The national team, under the guidance of Peter Cklamovski, is currently on the verge of qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup, sitting at the top of Group F with a 100 percent win record and 15 points.
Vietnam, who lost 0-4 in the first encounter here, is the closest challenger in second place with 12 points, followed by Laos in third (three points), and Nepal in last place with no points.
Only the group winners will qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup, scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia from Jan 7 to Feb 5 next year.
--BERNAMA
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