KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia will look to make a roaring start to their 2027 Asian Cup qualifying campaign when they host Nepal in their Group F opener at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Iskandar Puteri, Johor, this Tuesday.
The match marks not only a new benchmark in the Harimau Malaya squad’s transformation but also the first real test for Australian head coach Peter Cklamovski, who took charge last December.
Tasked with elevating Malaysia to a higher level, the 46-year-old tactician is expected to implement an intense, attacking philosophy that defines his style of play.
All eyes will also be on several new faces, including the latest heritage players – Dutch-born Hector Hevel and Spain’s Gabriel Palermo – who arrived in Malaysia this week.
Both players have joined team training, but their inclusion in the starting line-up will depend on Cklamovski’s assessment of their tactical fit and chemistry with the squad.
On paper, Malaysia, ranked 132nd in the FIFA standings, hold a significant advantage over Nepal, who sit at 175th.
The head-to-head record also favours Malaysia, having won the last three encounters, including a resounding 5-1 victory in a closed-door friendly in Shah Alam, Selangor, last March.
Under Cklamovski, Malaysia are expected to utilise a 3-4-3 formation, balancing attack and defence while adopting an aggressive, possession-based playing style.
Captain Dion Cools is set to marshal the defence, while electrifying winger Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi is expected to be pivotal in the attacking third.
Fans will also be eager to witness the return of Faisal Halim, making his national team comeback after suffering an acid attack last May.
Hevel’s presence in midfield could offer Malaysia greater creativity and control, while Palermo’s defensive abilities will be tested should he feature in the line-up.
Meanwhile, Nepal, coached by fellow Australian Matt Ross, are likely to take a defensive approach, relying on quick counter-attacks spearheaded by strike duo Gillespye Jung Karki and Anjan Bista.
The Gorkhalis will take confidence from their recent morale-boosting 1-0 victory over Singapore in an international friendly last Friday.
Despite Malaysia’s home advantage and superior squad quality, Cklamovski’s men must remain wary of Nepal’s counter-attacks, which could pose a threat if discipline and focus waver.
A win against Nepal is not just about securing three points but also about building momentum as Malaysia embark on a new era under Cklamovski.
Malaysia are aiming for consecutive Asian Cup appearances after featuring in the 2023 edition in Doha, where they finished bottom of their group with two defeats and a draw.
Apart from Nepal, Malaysia will also face Vietnam and Laos in Group F. — March 23, 2025