Malaysia warmed up for the guard of their Merdeka Tournament title next week with a 4-1 triumph over Pakistan in a friendly international at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
National coach B. Sathianathan used the match to firm up his squad for the Oct 15-25 competition and Indra Putra Mahayuddin did his chances of locking a spot after breach through the Pakistan defense in the 42nd minute to give Malaysia the lead.

Malaysia added three more goals in the second half in the course of Mohamad Zaquan Adha Abdul Radzak (60th), Hairuddin Omar (70th) and Khyril Muhymeen Zambri (81st) before Pakistan scored a consolation goal through Aris Mahmood five minutes from time.

It was the first meeting between the sides in 20 years -- Malaysia won 4-0 in an Asian Cup qualifier in 1988 at home the last time -- and can now look ahead to facing Afghanistan, Nepal and Sierra Leone in Group A of the Merdeka Tournament.