09-Jan-24 21:00

T. Avinesh, Journalist, ASEAN football

After a 42-year long years, Harimau Malaya has finally qualified for the Asian Cup based on merit, with all attention being on Qatar in the coming weeks as the national squad aims to make a significant impact in the competition for football supremacy in the region. As the third-lowest-ranked nation, just behind Hong Kong and Indonesia, the national squad enters the tournament as underdogs. In the groups, KIm Pan Gon will lead the team against difficult opposition in the form of Jordan, Bahrain, and two-time champions South Korea.

Since taking over in 2022, head coach Kim Pan Gon has played a central role in the revitalization of Malaysian football. The team's FIFA rankings have surged, climbing 15 places in the calendar year to 130th in the world, making Malaysia the most improved Asian country in 2023. With anticipation brewing, this week on the program we are joined by sports journalist T Avinesh as we preview & predict Malaysia's chances in Doha.