KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia aim to make a roaring start to their 2027 Asian Cup qualifying campaign when they host Nepal in their Group F opener at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, this Tuesday.
The match will serve not only as a new benchmark in the Harimau Malaya squad’s ongoing transformation but also the first test for Australian head coach Peter Cklamovski, who took charge last December.
Tasked with elevating Malaysia to a higher level, the 46-year-old tactician is expected to implement an intense attacking philosophy that defines his style of play.
The spotlight will also be on several new faces, including the latest heritage players — Dutchborn Hector Hevel and Spain’s Gabriel Palermo — who arrived in Malaysia this week.
Both players have joined team training sessions, but their inclusion in the starting lineup will depend on Cklamovski’s assessment of their tactical fit and chemistry with the squad. A win against Nepal is not only crucial for securing the first three points but also for building momentum as Malaysia embark on a new era under Cklamovski.
Malaysia are aiming for back-to-back Asian Cup appearances after featuring in the 2023 edition in Doha, where they finished bottom of their group with two defeats and a draw. Apart from Nepal, Malaysia will also face Vietnam and Laos in Group F. – BERNAMA
