KUALA LUMPUR – Despite a boycott by Ultras Malaya over Malaysian football governance issues, Harimau Malaya supporters have sent a strong message of backing for the national team, with all home tickets sold ahead of tomorrow’s crucial Asean Hyundai Cup Group B clash against the Philippines at Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) confirmed today that tickets for the home supporters’ section at the 20,000-capacity venue had been snapped up, leaving only the away supporters’ allocation available.
“Tickets for the home supporters’ seating area have been sold out.
“Only tickets for the visiting supporters’ seating area remain available,” FAM said in a social media post.
The sell-out comes despite Ultras Malaya maintaining its boycott of Harimau Malaya matches until Aug 31.
The supporters’ group launched the protest in May, calling for the revocation of citizenship granted to seven heritage players, the return of national team management responsibilities to FAM, and wider reforms to address concerns over the country’s football administration.
While Ultras Malaya will not be present, the strong ticket demand reflects the continued support for Harimau Malaya, with the national team set to play in front of a packed crowd as they chase a place in the semi-finals.
National interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe’s side only need a draw against the Philippines to secure qualification, having collected six points from their opening three matches.
Malaysia began their campaign with wins over Myanmar (2-1) and Laos (3-0), before suffering a 2-0 defeat to seven-time champions Thailand, leaving their semi-final qualification hopes to be decided in the final group fixture.
FAM had announced on Thursday that only the B3 stand remained available after the B1, B2 and C1 sections were sold out, following an earlier crowd of 10,044 for Malaysia’s victory over Laos on July 28.
Meanwhile, Cheng Hoe believes the expected capacity crowd can provide an important boost as his players prepare for a high-pressure encounter against Carles Cuadrat’s Philippines.
“As coaches and players, this is the type of atmosphere we want to experience,” said Cheng Hoe at today’s pre-match press conference.
“The supporters provide extra motivation and effectively become our 12th player.
“At the same time, I hope the players do not feel overwhelmed by the pressure because the demands of tomorrow’s match will be very high.
“We must remain focused from the first whistle until the last. The players have to believe in themselves, enter the pitch with confidence and show a strong team spirit.
“Tomorrow will be a crucial and very important match. We must make the most of our home advantage.”
The Philippines, meanwhile, need a positive result to keep their semi-final hopes alive, while Group B leaders Thailand host Myanmar in Bangkok in the other decisive fixture.
Cheng Hoe will be forced to make changes for the match, with Endrick dos Santos and Jimmy Raymond ruled out through injury, potentially paving the way for United States-based midfielder Wan Kuzain Wan Kamal to make his first start after featuring as a substitute in Malaysia’s previous matches.
A place in the semi-finals awaits Harimau Malaya if they can avoid defeat, keeping alive their hopes of winning a first ASEAN title since 2010. – August 7, 2026