Merdeka Cup 2023: India start campaign against Malaysia; LIVE streaming and match details

India start their 2023 Merdeka Cup campaign with a match against hosts Malaysia at the 90,000-strong Bukit Jalil Stadium in Kuala Lumpur Friday. This will be India’s first participation in the tournament since 2001 and even though Malaysia are slotted 32 spots behind the 102nd Blue Tigers in the FIFA rankings, Igor Stimac’s side cannot make the mistake of taking their opponents lightly. Malaysia have played nine international matches so far this year and boast an impressive record of six wins, two draws, and just one defeat. Additionally, the tournament will be contested in a knockout format, where Tajikistan have already reached the final following Palestine’s withdrawal. The winner between Malaysia and India will take on the Central Asians in the final on Tuesday, October 17. “I believe it’s advantage Malaysia in the first game. Obviously, they are on their home turf and have had a good run here, but we are here to spring a few surprises against them,” India coach Stimac said ahead of the match. “They have a very stable, competitive side with a clear idea about what they need to do on the pitch. We are also in a similar situation, but with the 90,000 supporters and with our record away from home, which has not been that great, it’s advantage Malaysia.” India are well aware of the heritage and history behind the Pestabola Merdeka, having played the tournament 17 times. However, the Blue Tigers also have one eye on the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Kuwait and Qatar next month. “We know of the history and importance of this tournament, and we will do everything in our power to win the two matches and lift the trophy for the first time, but we also need to be mindful of our challenges coming ahead,” said Stimac. “It is very important that we do not risk any injuries, as we have two very important World Cup Qualifiers coming up in November. “Being in Pot 2 of the draw for the World Cup Qualifiers, we have a very good chance to make it to Round 3 for the first time, and that is very important to us,” he said. It’s natural that FIFA World Cup Qualifiers is the priority for Blue Tigers but they have a very old connection with the Merdeka Cup and Malaysia. India have participated in Merdeka Cup 17 times, since 1959, which is more than in any other international tournament India figured in since 1947. In the international arena, India have played Malaysia 31 times, which is also more than any other opponents India have played against. India last participated in the Merdeka in 2001, when they lost their matches against hosts Malaysia (1-2), Thailand (0-2), and Uzbekistan (1-2). Current assistant coach and former Blue Tigers centre-back Mahesh Gawali was a part of that squad and believes that the current crop of boys is more prepared to take on their opponents in the tournament. “I played the Merdeka once, but we could not win, as the level of our opponents was quite high. But I feel that this time, the boys are much better prepared; they are a much better side. We are positive that we will do well in Kuala Lumpur,” said Gawali. Match Details: India vs Malaysia Date: October 13 Time: 6:30 PM IST Venue: Bukit Jalil Stadium, Malaysia Merdeka Cup 2023 LIVE Streaming: The match will be broadcast on Eurosport and LIVE streaming will be available on the Indian football team’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. India Squad Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Vishal Kaith. Defenders: Nikhil Poojary, Roshan Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Anwar Ali, Mehtab Singh, Lalchungnunga, Akash Mishra, Subhasish Bose. Midfielders: Suresh Singh, Anirudh Thapa, Rohit Kumar, Sahal Abdul Samad, Brandon Fernandes, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Udanta Singh, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Liston Colaco, Nandhakumar Sekar. Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Manvir Singh.