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Malaysia national football team

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Malaysia
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)Malayan Tigers (Harimau Malaya)[1]
AssociationFootball Association of Malaysia (FAM)
ConfederationAFC (Asia)
Sub-confederationAFF (Southeast Asia)
Head coachNelo Vingada
CaptainSafiq Rahim[2]
Home stadiumBukit Jalil Stadium
FIFA codeMAS
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current166 Steady (14 September 2017)
Highest75 (August 1993)
Lowest174 (April–May 2016)
First international
 Malaysia 1–1 Thailand 
(Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; 12 October 1963)[note 1]
Biggest win
 Malaysia 11–0 Philippines 
(Tehran, Iran; 7 September 1974)
Biggest defeat
 United Arab Emirates 10–0 Malaysia Malaysia
(Abu Dhabi, UAE; 3 September 2015)
AFC Asian Cup
Appearances3 (first in 1976)
Best resultGroup stage, 1976, 1980 and 2007

The Malaysia national football team (Template:Lang-ms) is the national team of Malaysia and is controlled by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM). The national team was founded in 1963 Merdeka Tournament one month before the establishment of the Malaysian Federation. Malaysia national football team is recognised by FIFA as the successor of the defunct Malaya national football team. The Malaysian team is nicknamed Harimau Malaya in reference of the Malayan tiger.

It is one of the successful teams in Southeast Asia along with Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, winning bronze at the Asian Games in 1974 as well winning the ASEAN Football Championship in 2010 and other competitions while improving at the same time.

In the FIFA World Rankings, Malaysia's highest standing was in the first release of the figures, in August 1993, at 75th. Malaysia's main rival on the international stage are their geographical neighbours, Indonesia and Singapore, and past matches between these two teams have produced much drama.

Etymology

The Harimau Malaya nickname have been used since the former Malaya national football team. The nickname refer to the national animal of Malaysia, the Malayan tiger.[4] Another source stated the name was believed to have been derived from a Malayan football player from Stulang Laut, Johor named Abdullah Mohd Don (Dollah Don) after he been called as "Harimau Malaya" by the founding father of Indonesia, Sukarno when managed to chasing his team lost of 0–3 against an Indonesian football club by scoring hat-trick in a match between Singaporean Malay Club and Peseja (Persija Jakarta) in 1953.[5][6]

Although the Federation of Malaysia have been formed in 16 September 1963, the name are still being maintained for the national squad, thus there is some debate as most Malaysian in the East felt the "Malaya" term does not cover the whole country.[7] Some supporters in the East felt offended when the media in the West Malaysia keep continuously using the term even some in the West said it is just a small matter and the naming issue had been politicised as the term "Malayan tiger" came from an endangered endemic tiger subspecies in Malay Peninsula rather than a geopolitical reason.[8][9][10]

As part of rebranding of the national football team by FAM from 2 February 2016 onward, the nickname Harimau Malaya was officially changed to Harimau Malaysia in a bid to be more inclusive especially to the East Malaysian sides.[11][12] The Harimau Malaysia nickname was also used to refer the former national player, Shaharuddin Abdullah. Since 1970s, he was known as "Harimau Malaysia" by the football fans due to his ability to score many goals. He once scored 15 goals for Malaysia in the Merdeka Cup tournament which stood as a record for years.[13]

However, after a recent changes during FAM congress in March 2017, a drastic measures has been taken to restructure all aspect of national football organisation and management.[14] This include the restoration of the old nickname (from the current nickname of Malaysian tiger which just used for a year)[15] starting from 3 April 2017.[1] The sudden changes has also affected all related websites and social media regarding the previous name which has since been indefinitely terminated.[1]

History

Early years (1963–1969)

Before the establishment of Malaysia on 16 September 1963, North Borneo (now Sabah), Sarawak, Malaya and Singapore are represented by their own national teams, a situation which pre-dated the establishment of a Malaysia.[16] Malaya and Singapore usually competed in an international competition such as the Merdeka Tournament while North Borneo and Sarawak competed in Borneo Cup. Malaya's biggest achievement in football was becoming the bronze medalist of the 1962 Asian Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia after defeating South Vietnam 4–1.

The winner of the first season of Borneo Cup in 1962, North Borneo football team, one year before the merger to form Malaysia.

The beginning of Malaysia football team match took place in Merdeka Stadium on 8 August 1963 with the combined strength of Singapore and Malaya (although the federation was only existed after 16 September 1963). With the combined forces of Malaya and Singapore, the team start their match with Japan, thought lost 3–4.[17] The team continued to use combination of players from Singapore and Malay Peninsula until the formation of the Malaysian Federation and ended when Singapore's separated from Malaysia in 1965. Since then the squad was only represented by West Malaysian players, mainly due to difficulties of that time to travel to East Malaysia and the players were not well known to mainstream West Malaysian football.

Asia's most formidable (1970–1979)

In 1971, James Wong of Sabah is the first player from East Malaysia to represent the country.[18]

Malaysia qualified for the 1972 Olympics in Munich, beating Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Philippines along the way. Although they managed to defeat the United States 3–0, they lost the other 2 matches with a score of 3–0 to West Germany and 6–0 to Morocco, ranking 10th in the final standings.

From 1972, Mokhtar Dahari is considered as the legend footballer for the Malaysian team as he booked his place as one of the best players in Asia.[19] He manage to score 175 goals, of which the 175 goals for Selangor FA, 20 goals in 13 appearances for Kwong Yik Bank and another 125 goals for the national team, giving a total of 320 goals in his career.[20][21] However, the FIFA, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and IFFHS denied the result as there is no evidence for the claim, and said the player only scored 5 goals in 20 matches.[citation needed] The FIFA also said "the highest record for the Malaysian team is only having score approximately 110 goals in international matches from 1972 until 1985, but it is still not possible for the player to score 175 goals".[citation needed] Therefore, Mokhtar Dahari is not recognised by FIFA to be the top scorer in Asian football.[citation needed]

Two years later, Malaysia won their second bronze medal at the 1974 Asian Games after defeating North Korea 2–1. The team went on to qualify twice in a row for the AFC Asian Cup, in 1976 and 1980.

It was only in 1977; when the FAM sent a talent scout to the East.[22][23] The list continued by the late James Yaakub of Sarawak in 1977. The team also won the Merdeka Tournament three times, became runner-up four times and achieved third place twice during the 1970s.

1980–1990

Malaysia qualified again for the 1980 Olympics in Moscow, but joined the boycott of the games. Sadly, the team did not make it to Moscow, as the Malaysian government made the decision to boycott the Games in protest of the Soviet Union's invasion against Afghanistan.

1991–1999

In 1994, Malaysian football was embroiled in one of the largest bribery scandals in the country. With the dearth of mainstream interest and lack of funds, Malaysian football has failed to repeat the achievements of the 1970s and 1980s, despite the recruitment of Claude LeRoy.

2000–2009

Allan Harris appointed as a new head coach on 2001. Harris came with strong credentials, having assisted Terry Venables at FC Barcelona.

In the second half of 2004, FAM appoint Bertalan Bicskei, former Hungarian goalkeeper and national coach, to succeed Allan Harris. Bicskei led the national side to third place at the regional Tiger Cup tournament, but was demoted to youth development duties by FAM for his actions during a friendly against Singapore in Penang on 8 June 2005. Bicskei, disgusted by the standard of officiating, threw a bottle onto the pitch before confronting a Singapore player. In September 2005, his contract was terminated after a mutual agreement.[24]

Norizan Bakar became the next head coach of the Malaysian team. He guided the Malaysian squad to the ASEAN Cup semifinals in 2007, where Malaysia lost through penalties to Singapore. Norizan's position as the head coach was criticised by the Malaysian football community, fans and officials alike, after the team's performances during the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, where Malaysia lost to China 1–5, Uzbekistan 0–5 and Iran 0–2.

After the removal of Norizan Bakar, B. Sathianathan took over as head coach. Although he guided the squad to win the 2007 Merdeka Tournament, Malaysia once again failed to qualify for the World Cup after losing 4–1 and drawing 0–0 with Bahrain in the qualifying round. In March 2008, Sathianathan once again reach the final of the Merdeka Tournament. However, Malaysia lost on penalties to Vietnam. Sathianathan also led Malaysia to the semi finals of the 2008 Myanmar Grand Royal Challenge Cup. However, Malaysia then shockingly lost 4–1 to eventual winners, Myanmar.[25]

During the 2008 AFF Championship, Malaysia started their campaign with a 3–0 win over Laos, but were defeated in the second match by Vietnam with a score of 2–3 and were finally eliminated when they lost 3–0 to Thailand in the final match of the group stage. This was the first time that the Malaysian squad had not passed through the group stages in 12 years.

In the 2011 Asian Cup qualifiers, the Malaysian team lost 0–5 to the United Emirates. This defeat was the final straw in the eyes of Malaysian supporters, and in February 2009, the contracts of Sathianathan and manager Soh Chin Aun were terminated.[26]

AFF Championship triumph (2010)

In April 2009, K. Rajagopal was named the new coach of Malaysia replacing B. Sathianathan as head coach of Malaysia. He took over the position in July 2009, of which he also the coach of the Malaysia Under-23 squad.[27] Rajagopal's first match was against Zimbabwe, which Malaysia won 4–0.[28] Rajagopal also coached Malaysia in two games against visiting English champions, Manchester United, losing both matches 2–3 and 0–2. During his time as the coach of the Under-23 team, Rajagopal led Malaysia to their fifth SEA Games gold medal and also led Malaysia to qualify for the second round of the 2010 Asian Games as one of the best four third-placed teams after a lapse of 32 years.[29][30]

During the 2010 AFF Championship, Malaysia had 14 players that were under the age of 23 while the other players were over 23. Malaysia were in group A with host Indonesia, Thailand and qualifiers winner, Laos. Malaysia began their campaign with an embarrassing 5–1 loss to Indonesia. Malaysia bounced back from their defeat and later drew with Thailand and beat Laos 5–1. As runner up of group, Malaysia qualified for the semi finals to meet Group B winners and defending champions Vietnam. In the first leg of the semifinal, Malaysia won 2–0 on home soil and later drew 0–0 in the second leg, advancing to the final with an aggregate of 2–0.[31] In the finals, Malaysia met favourites Indonesia, who were unbeaten in all their matches.

On the first leg of the finals, Malaysia won 3–0 at home. Malaysia scored twice through Safee Sali and once through Mohd Ashaari Shamsuddin on a night when Bukit Jalil National Stadium was filled over capacity for the first time since it was built. The match attracted so many people that after tickets were sold out, policemen manning the gates were seen allowing friends and relatives into the stadium, causing people having to trespass onto the cable bridge above the electronic display besides standing on the aisles and corridors to view the game. On the second leg of the finals that was held in Jakarta, Malaysia lost 2–1 to Indonesia but the final aggregate was 4–2 to Malaysia, thus Malaysia were awarded the title. It was the first time in history that Malaysia were crowned the champions of ASEAN (AFF Championship Champions) and a trophy in the international stage.[32]

2011–2017

In June 2014, Dollah Salleh replaced Rajagobal as the head coach after his contract has ended.[33] Dollah guiding Malaysia to the final of the 2014 AFF Championship but failed to replicate the same form as the previous head coach. In international fixtures, the coach has also recorded a lose of 6–0 to Oman and Palestine as well as 1–1 draw against Timor-Leste. However, the 10–0 defeat to the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia worst ever defeat in 50 years, have prompted his resignation as the head coach.[34] The place was taken by interim coach Ong Kim Swee who later promoted as the head coach until the end of March 2017.[35]

Revolution years (2017–present)

The coaching post then was taken over by Nelo Vingada in the hope to raise the Malaysian football performances. On 13 June, Malaysia played their first match in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualification against Lebanon. Despite having a 1–0 lead during the first half, they eventually lost the match with a score 1–2.[36]

Team Image

Media coverage

Malaysia home matches and some away matches (depending on the location and the broadcast station) are shown live or delayed on Astro Arena, RTM and Media Prima. All matches are broadcast with in full Malaysian commentary.[37]

Kit Revolution

From the 1970s to 2007, the national team kit was manufactured by Adidas, who also sponsored the national team kit. Since 2007, the official Malaysia team kit is manufactured by Nike. The home kit design of black and yellow stripes is a throwback to the kit used by Malaysian national team of the 1920s. The great national team of the 1970s also sported similar stripes, which are supposed to be reminiscent of the stripes of a tiger, the symbol of Malaysia's national football team.

In November 2010, Nike Malaysia created a new football kit for the Malaysians specially made for the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup. The home kit's design of black and yellow stripes is shaped by a black row of lines. The away kit features a plain blue front and red and white at the edge of the sleeves. Nike used the Malaysian flag as their logo instead of putting the Football Association of Malaysia logo to remembering the team success in the 1970s.[38] On the underside of the flag, the quote "Tanah Tumpahnya Darahku" (The land that I spill my blood for) can be found. The quote is part of the Malaysia National Anthem, alluding that they are doing their best for the country.

The practice of using the flag on the kits ended when Malaysia got a new kit in late 2016. They have the FAM logo on the kits.

Grounds

Home Stadium

Malaysia's home stadium is the Bukit Jalil National Stadium. The stadium capacity is 87,411 (seated)[39] which makes it the seventh largest football stadium in the world. Malaysia's previous national stadium was the Merdeka Stadium before the Bukit Jalil sports complex was constructed. Malaysia also uses other stadiums for their matches such as the Shah Alam Stadium, the Larkin Stadium, and the KLFA Stadium.

Malaysia national football team home stadiums
Image Stadium Capacity Location Last match
Bukit Jalil National Stadium 87,411 Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur v   Palestine
(16 June 2015; 2018 World Cup qualification)
Shah Alam Stadium 80,372 Shah Alam, Selangor v   United Arab Emirates
(17 November 2015; 2018 World Cup qualification)
Hang Jebat Stadium 40,000 Krubong, Melaka v   Hong Kong
(5 September 2017; 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualification)
Tan Sri Dato' Haji Hassan Yunos Stadium 30,000 Johor Bahru, Johor v   Lebanon
(13 June 2017; 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualification)
Bukit Jalil National Stadium 87,411 Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur v   Germany
(16 December 2017; 2018 friendly)
*Only shown FIFA 'A' international match competition stadium used, not include friendly matches.

Training ground

Wisma FAM is a main headquarters for the Football Association of Malaysia which located at Kelana Jaya, Malaysia. The training facility for the Malaysia national football team also located at the Wisma FAM. Others than that, it also serves as a meeting point for the coaches and national players. Also equipped with a room for press statement and small apartment rooms available for the national players during the training camp. Sometimes, ticket matches also sold on this training facility.

Supporters

A part of the action from Ultras Malaya during the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification match between Malaysia and Singapore.

Ultras Malaya is the name of the major supporters for the national team in Malaysia. They are known for their high fanaticism and support towards the national team. Even in every international match the national team played, they will be found in a group standing at the supporters area. The main colours for these supporter are usually in black with a yellow scarf and banners just like the national team kits colours. These supporters always bring flares, drums and large national flags to the stadiums.[40]

Sponsorship

According to the website of Football Association of Malaysia, Malaysia main sponsors include Nike, Bank Islam, 100plus, Telekom Malaysia and One Goal.[41]

Players

Current squad

The following is a list of players that were called up for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifying round - Third Round match against North Korea and Hong Kong on 5 and 10 October 2017.

Caps and goals are correct as of 5 September 2017, after the match against  Hong Kong.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Khairulazhan Khalid (1989-11-07) 7 November 1989 (age 35) 9 0 Malaysia Selangor
1GK Hafizul Hakim (1993-03-30) 30 March 1993 (age 31) 3 0 Malaysia Perak
1GK Ifwat Akmal (1996-08-10) 10 August 1996 (age 28) 0 0 Malaysia Kedah

2DF Shahrom Kalam (1985-09-15) 15 September 1985 (age 39) 18 0 Malaysia Perak
2DF Nazirul Naim Che Hashim (1993-04-06) 6 April 1993 (age 31) 13 0 Malaysia Perak
2DF Matthew Davies (1995-02-07) 7 February 1995 (age 29) 12 0 Malaysia Pahang
2DF Fitri Omar (1985-06-25) 25 June 1985 (age 39) 4 0 Malaysia Kedah
2DF Khairul Helmi Johari (1988-03-31) 31 March 1988 (age 36) 4 0 Malaysia Kedah
2DF Amirul Azhan Aznan (1993-07-23) 23 July 1993 (age 31) 1 0 Malaysia Perak
2DF Adam Nor Azlin (1996-01-05) 5 January 1996 (age 28) 0 0 Malaysia Selangor

3MF Safiq Rahim (1987-07-05) 5 July 1987 (age 37) 70 16 Malaysia Johor Darul Ta'zim
3MF Baddrol Bakhtiar (1988-02-01) 1 February 1988 (age 36) 54 6 Malaysia Kedah
3MF Amirul Hadi Zainal (1986-05-27) 27 May 1986 (age 38) 39 7 Malaysia Johor Darul Ta'zim
3MF Wan Zack Haikal (1991-01-28) 28 January 1991 (age 33) 22 3 Malaysia Felda United
3MF Syazwan Zainon (1989-11-13) 13 November 1989 (age 35) 9 2 Malaysia Kedah
3MF Akram Mahinan (1993-01-19) 19 January 1993 (age 31) 4 0 Malaysia Kedah
3MF Nazmi Faiz (1994-08-16) 16 August 1994 (age 30) 4 0 Malaysia Johor Darul Ta'zim
3MF Kiko Insa (1988-01-25) 25 January 1988 (age 36) 3 0 Malaysia Pahang
3MF Azam Azih (1995-01-03) 3 January 1995 (age 29) 0 0 Malaysia Pahang
3MF Syamer Kutty Abba (1997-10-01) 1 October 1997 (age 27) 0 0 Malaysia Penang

4FW Hazwan Bakri (1991-06-19) 19 June 1991 (age 33) 24 7 Malaysia Johor Darul Ta'zim
4FW Darren Lok (1991-03-09) 9 March 1991 (age 33) 8 1 Malaysia Johor Darul Ta'zim
4FW Safawi Rasid (1997-03-05) 5 March 1997 (age 27) 3 0 Malaysia Johor Darul Ta'zim
4FW Shahrel Fikri (1994-10-17) 17 October 1994 (age 30) 1 0 Malaysia PKNP

Recent call-ups

The following players have also been called up to the Malaysia squad within last 12 months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Farhan Abu Bakar (1993-02-14) 14 February 1993 (age 31) 1 0 Malaysia Kedah v. Hong Kong, 5 September 2017
GK Izham Tarmizi Roslan (1991-04-24) 24 April 1991 (age 33) 7 0 Malaysia Johor Darul Ta'zim v. Lebanon, 13 June 2017
GK Farizal Harun (1986-02-02) 2 February 1986 (age 38) 0 0 Malaysia Felda United v. Philippines, 22 March 2017 (Friendly)

DF Aidil Zafuan Radzak (1987-08-03) 3 August 1987 (age 37) 71 3 Malaysia Johor Darul Ta'zim v. Hong Kong, 5 September 2017 SUS
DF Rizal Ghazali (1992-10-01) 1 October 1992 (age 32) 10 0 Malaysia Kedah v. Hong Kong, 5 September 2017 SUS
DF Shahrul Saad (1993-07-08) 8 July 1993 (age 31) 12 0 Malaysia Perak v. Lebanon, 13 June 2017
DF Afif Amiruddin (1984-03-22) 22 March 1984 (age 40) 9 0 Malaysia Pahang v. Lebanon, 13 June 2017
DF Faisal Rosli (1991-01-29) 29 January 1991 (age 33) 0 0 Malaysia Pahang v. Lebanon, 13 June 2017
DF Mahalli Jasuli (1989-04-02) 2 April 1989 (age 35) 43 3 Malaysia Johor Darul Ta'zim v. Lebanon, 13 June 2017
DF Azrif Nasrulhaq (1991-05-27) 27 May 1991 (age 33) 10 0 Malaysia Johor Darul Ta'zim v. Lebanon, 13 June 2017 INJ
DF Fazly Mazlan (1993-12-22) 22 December 1993 (age 31) 8 0 Malaysia Johor Darul Ta'zim v. Lebanon, 13 June 2017 INJ
DF Kunanlan Subramaniam (1986-04-15) 15 April 1986 (age 38) 71 0 Malaysia Johor Darul Ta'zim v. Lebanon, 13 June 2017 INJ
DF Khair Jefri Jones (1989-09-29) 29 September 1989 (age 35) 4 1 Malaysia Melaka United v. Philippines, 22 March 2017 (Friendly)
DF Ronny Harun (1984-01-19) 19 January 1984 (age 40) 14 0 Malaysia Sarawak v. Philippines, 22 March 2017 (Friendly)
DF Fadhli Shas (1991-01-21) 21 January 1991 (age 33) 52 0 Malaysia Johor Darul Ta'zim v. Afghanistan, 11 October 2016 (Friendly)

MF Nazrin Nawi (1988-02-07) 7 February 1988 (age 36) 10 0 Malaysia Perak v. Hong Kong, 5 September 2017
MF Nasir Basharudin (1990-03-29) 29 March 1990 (age 34) 7 0 Malaysia Perak v. Hong Kong, 5 September 2017
MF Syamim Yahya (1990-05-17) 17 May 1990 (age 34) 4 0 Malaysia Pahang v. Hong Kong, 5 September 2017
MF Nazrin Syamsul Bahri (1990-09-11) 11 September 1990 (age 34) 0 0 Malaysia PKNS v. Lebanon, 13 June 2017
MF Azamuddin Akil (1985-04-16) 16 April 1985 (age 39) 38 5 Malaysia Johor Darul Ta'zim v. Lebanon, 13 June 2017
MF Chanturu Suppiah (1987-12-14) 14 December 1987 (age 37) 13 1 Malaysia Johor Darul Ta'zim v. Lebanon, 13 June 2017
MF Wan Zaharulnizam Zakaria (1991-05-08) 8 May 1991 (age 33) 2 0 Malaysia Pahang v. Lebanon, 13 June 2017
MF Hadin Azman (1994-07-02) 2 July 1994 (age 30) 5 1 Malaysia Felda United v. Philippines, 22 March 2017 (Friendly)
MF Veenod Subramaniam (1988-03-31) 31 March 1988 (age 36) 5 0 Malaysia Selangor v. Philippines, 22 March 2017 (Friendly)

FW Safee Sali (1984-01-29) 29 January 1984 (age 40) 74 23 Malaysia PKNS v. Lebanon, 13 June 2017 INJ
FW Amri Yahyah (1981-01-21) 21 January 1981 (age 43) 66 15 Malaysia Selangor v. Lebanon, 13 June 2017
FW Zaquan Adha Radzak WD (1987-08-03) 3 August 1987 (age 37) 31 4 Malaysia Perak v. Philippines, 22 March 2017 (Friendly)

Notes:

  • WD Withdrew from squad
  • INJ Withdrew from squad due to injury
  • PRE Preliminary squad
  • SUS Suspended
  • RET Retired from the national team

Previous squads