tags - Sinar Daily

Harimau Malaya head coach, Peter Cklamovski has made it clear that climbing the FIFA world rankings isn't his primary concern. - Bernama photo

The national team is hoped to face higher-ranked opponents in future friendly matches. Photo: Facebook

Local football observer Datuk Richard Scully says Malaysia may have been drawn in Group B alongside world No. 18 Iran for the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup 2025 next month, but the Harimau Malaya are no pushovers. Bernama FILE PIX

FAM president Datuk Mohd Joehari Mohd Ayub said that the Australian-born coach's remarks about external interference in the national team should be addressed directly by the coach himself to avoid unnecessary speculation. - Photo for illustration purpose only (Photo courtesy of FAM)

The combined efforts of heritage players with local players led to a historic 4-0 victory over Vietnam at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in a Group F Asian Cup Qualifier — a win that ended a decade-long wait to overcome their regional rivals. Photo: MalaysiaT

The Harimau Malaya squad, combining naturalised, heritage and local players, is beginning to have a positive impact on the country’s football development. Photo: Bernama

Jamal Nasir

The Harimau Malaya squad won 4-0 against Vietnam in the second Group F match of the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium on the night of June 10. Photo: Bernama

Cklamovski acknowledged the unconventional nature of the camp, especially since many players had not played competitive football since the Malaysian Super League was off-season. - Photo: Malaysia NT

The 4-0 victory means that Malaysia has taken the lead in Group F with six points, while Vietnam is now second with three points. Laos is third, also with three points, courtesy of their 2-1 win over Nepal in the other Group F qualifer in Laos and Nepal is last with no points. - Photo: Malaysia NT FB