Harimau Malaya need to sharpen claws for jaws of Blue Sharks

The Star

09-05-2025

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian football team will get a much needed challenge in two friendly matches against African side Cape Verde ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier against Vietnam on June 10.
The Harimau Malaya, who are ranked 131st in the world, take on the No. 72 Blue Sharks on May 29 at the Cheras Football Stadium and June 3 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
The first match will be open to the public but the second will be held behind closed doors.
Malaysia coach Peter Cklamovski said he chose Cape Verde for the friendlies as they are a stronger side who will push the Australian's charges to raise their game.
'Cape Verde will provide a high-level challenge. They're one of the top-performing teams in Africa right now, with a squad full of players competing across European leagues. They have some quality talent in their team and will be a good side to gauge ourselves against,' said the 46-year-old Cklamovski.
'As a national team, we need to raise our level and test ourselves against stronger opponents. If we want to grow into the team we all dream of, we must be willing to step out of our comfort zone and play against top-quality sides, and this will allow us to learn and grow.
'These matches are not just friendlies, it's a vital part of our development and our journey moving forward.'
Cape Verde possess some top-quality players, with Villareal centreback Logan Costa being one of the big names.
They also have experienced forwards in the form of Ryan Mendes and Garry Rodrigues, both playing in the Turkish top division.
Even Selangor's mercurial winger Alvin Fortes could be in the reckoning for the game against Malaysia.
As for Malaysia, the two matches will be important as most players are entering the off-season period and Cklamovski is making sure that his charges get the best preparation before the Vietnam match.
'This is a unique period for us as a national team. The majority of our players will be coming from an off-season period. Most players would not have played a competitive game for around four to five weeks.
'I see this preparation window and camp as crucial as we build towards the important match against Vietnam on June 10.'
On March 25, Malaysia started their Group F campaign with a 2-0 win over Nepal at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, while Vietnam thrashed Laos 5-0 at the Binh Duong Stadium.
A win for either Malaysia or Vietnam next month will be crucial as they will top the group and bring much needed momentum into the upcoming games.