India will be looking to end their winless streak in 2024 as they take on Malaysia in an international friendly match on November 20, 2024, at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad. This match comes at a critical juncture for the Indian football team, still searching for their first win of the year. Under the guidance of new head coach Manolo Marquez, the Blue Tigers will face familiar rivals Malaysia, in a fixture that promises to be both intense and historic.
India’s Struggles in 2024: The Need for a Positive Result
India’s 2024 football campaign has been far from ideal. The national team has played 10 matches this year, with six losses and four draws. Under Manolo Marquez, who replaced Igor Stimac as head coach in July 2024, India has played three games, with one loss and two draws. Despite solid performances in some matches, the team has been unable to secure a win, a trend they will be desperate to break against Malaysia.
India’s last match was a 1-1 draw with Vietnam on October 12, 2024. Earlier, they had a disappointing 0-3 loss to Syria in the Intercontinental Cup. If India fails to secure a victory in this friendly, they will end the year without a single win from 11 matches, which could dampen morale ahead of the crucial 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers set to begin in March next year.
The Return of Sandesh Jhingan
India will be boosted by the return of central defender Sandesh Jhingan, who makes his first appearance for the national team in nearly 10 months. Jhingan had been sidelined due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, and his comeback is a significant boost to India’s defense as they look to secure a win. His leadership and experience will be crucial in organizing the defense against a determined Malaysian side.
India-Malaysia Rivalry: A Storied History
The India-Malaysia football rivalry is one of the oldest and most competitive in Asian football. The two teams have faced off 32 times, with India winning 12 matches, Malaysia also securing 12 victories, and eight games ending in draws. The most recent encounter between the two sides took place during the 2023 Merdeka Cup, where Malaysia won 4-2 in the semifinals. This result gave Malaysia a slight edge in recent encounters, but the rivalry remains evenly poised.
The last time the two sides met in an international friendly in 2022, India secured a 2-0 victory. Both teams know each other well, and this familiarity will make for an exciting and closely contested match on November 20.
A Tight Contest: India and Malaysia’s FIFA Rankings
In terms of FIFA rankings, there is little to separate the two teams. India is currently ranked 125th in the world, while Malaysia sits just behind them at 133rd. This close ranking further highlights the tight nature of their rivalry, with both teams being evenly matched on paper. However, Malaysia’s recent form, which includes a 3-1 win over Laos in a friendly match on November 14, 2024, will give them confidence going into this clash.
Key Players to Watch
For India, the return of Sandesh Jhingan is a major development, but the team will also rely on players like goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, winger Liston Colaco, and midfielder Suresh Singh Wangjam to step up and make an impact. The presence of key players from the recent Merdeka Cup semifinal match, such as Amrinder Singh and Lallianzuala Chhangte, ensures that India has a core group familiar with Malaysia’s style of play.
On the Malaysian side, two players stand out: Arif Aiman, the young winger from Johor Darul Ta’zim FC, and Dion Cools, the talented defender who plays for Buriram United in Thailand’s Thai League 1. Cools, along with Aiman, was instrumental in Malaysia’s victory over India in the Merdeka Cup semifinal, and both players will be crucial to Malaysia’s strategy on Monday.
The Importance of the Friendly for Both Teams
This match will be critical for both India and Malaysia as they continue to prepare for upcoming international competitions. India is looking to rebuild under Marquez, and a win in this friendly would provide a much-needed confidence boost heading into the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. On the other hand, Malaysia, under Spanish coach Pau Martí, will be looking to build on their recent success and continue their upward trajectory in international football.
Conclusion: What to Expect from the India vs Malaysia Friendly
The upcoming India vs Malaysia friendly promises to be an exciting encounter between two teams with a rich footballing history. India will be hoping to turn their form around, with the added boost of Jhingan’s return, while Malaysia will be eager to continue their positive momentum from recent wins. Fans can expect a closely fought contest with plenty of action, as both teams seek to finish the year on a high note before embarking on their respective paths to future international tournaments.
As India looks to end 2024 with a win, this match could set the tone for a fresh start in 2025, as they build toward the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. Regardless of the result, the rivalry between India and Malaysia remains one of the most exciting and closely followed fixtures in South Asian football.
