India’s football team will take on Malaysia in a friendly, hoping for their first win of 2024 following a dismal stretch of games that has seen them without a victory for 368 days. Coach Manolo Marquez, seeking his first win as head coach, has experienced mixed results. Malaysia, led by caretaker coach Pau Marti, has shown signs of improvement in recent matches, setting the stage for a competitive encounter.
The Indian football team faces Malaysia in a friendly match tonight at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad, seeking their first victory of 2024 after a disappointing streak. Despite competing in ten games this year, India has recorded six losses and four draws, extending their winless streak to eleven matches since their last victory on November 16, 2023. Coach Manolo Marquez, who is yet to secure a win, has overseen three matches, including a recent 1-1 draw against Vietnam and previous results of a draw and a loss. With India’s FIFA ranking slipping to 125, they aim to improve their fortunes against Malaysia, ranked 133. Malaysia, under caretaker coach Pau Marti, has seen a positive turnaround with three wins in their last four matches, including triumphs in the Merdeka Tournament. While Marquez has focused on intensive training over friendlies during this FIFA window, player Edmund Lalrindika emphasized the importance of the training camps and expressed confidence in their preparation for today’s match.
In the context of Indian football, the national team has struggled significantly in recent times, failing to secure a win in an extended period. Following the appointment of Manolo Marquez as head coach, the team has experienced mixed results, leading to concerns about their performance heading into 2024. Malaysia, on the other hand, has shown improvement under their new coach, suggesting a challenging match ahead for India. The upcoming friendly provides a crucial opportunity for India to regain confidence and momentum.
As India prepares to face Malaysia, the stakes are high for the national team as they seek their inaugural victory of 2024. With their recent performance raising concerns, a win would not only provide relief but also a significant boost towards rebuilding their FIFA ranking and team morale. The match could serve as a turning point for coach Manolo Marquez and his squad as they aim to break their winless streak.
Original Source: www.espn.com.sg
