In search of their first title win in the Merdeka Cup football tournament, a confident India, led by Sunil Chhetri, will look to spring a surprise on in-form hosts Malaysia in the opening game here on Friday.

Back after a 10-year hiatus, the Merdeka Cup, also known as the ‘mini Asia Cup’, will feature only three teams — Tajikistan being the third — as strife-torn Palestine pulled out of the event at the last minute.

The winners of the clash between India and Malaysia will take on Tajikistan in the final on October 17.

While India’s last appearance was in the Asian Games wherein they exited from the competition in the round of 16, the Igor Stimac-coached side will have their task cut out against Malaysia on Friday.

Malaysia have recorded six wins in nine matches with two draws and one defeat so far this year, signalling their impressive form.

India coach Stimac said his side is prepared for the challenge ahead of the knockout clash against Malaysia.

“We know about the good runs Malaysia have had in the past few months. They have a good coach and some wonderful homegrown players, who are well supported by the naturalised players. So there is a lot of stability in the team at the moment,” Stimac was quoted as saying in an AIFF release.

The Indian coach conceded that Malaysia, who are expected to have a crowd support of 87,000 fans at the Bukit Jalil Stadium here, have the advantage going into the contest but expressed that his side will be ready.

“I believe it’s advantage Malaysia in the first game. Obviously, they are on their home turf and have had a good run here, but we are here to spring a few surprises against them,” said Stimac.

“They have a very stable, competitive side with a clear idea about what they need to do on the pitch. We are also in a similar situation, but with 87,000 supporters and with our record away from home, which has not been that great, it’s advantage Malaysia,” Stimac said.

India have taken part in the Merdeka Cup 17 times in the past but are yet to win the trophy. However, for the Indians, the tournament might just be a preparatory leg for greater challenges lined up ahead.

India will face Kuwait and Qatar next month in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers and Stimac conceded that their one eye will be on these games as well.

“We know of the history and importance of this tournament, and we will do everything in our power to win the two matches and lift the trophy for the first time, but we also need to be mindful of our challenges coming ahead,” said Stimac.

“It is very important that we do not risk any injuries, as we have two very important World Cup Qualifiers coming up in November.

“Being in Pot 2 of the draw for the World Cup Qualifiers, we have a very good chance to make it to Round III for the first time, and that is very important to us,” he said.

Defender Anwar Ali said he is looking forward to the challenge.

“It’s going to be a good game against a very good side. But we also have confidence in our boys, and we will give it our best shot to win and progress to the final,” said
Anwar.

India have been runner-up twice in the Merdeka Cup.

Written with inputs from PTI