Malaysia

VS

Nepal

Malaysia will open the Merdeka Tournament 2008 against Nepal today. However Malaysia national coach, B. Sathianathan is looking for a better showing from national squad. Malaysia is taking Merdeka Tournament as their preparation medium for AFF Suzuki Cup tournament that will kick off in December.

B. Sathianathan speaks to ESPN Sportcenter on his say before the game mentioned.

“The approach will be first of all Nepal is a stronger team than Pakistan. The first thing that we have to get the thing correct is their attitude towards the game. How we start up, how are we going to go when the whistle blow.

Mentally we got to be prepare. Physically we are prepared. We have been training in a long period this time.

I think it only the mental aspect of the game. If the boys get it right, I think we have no problem.”

Perak born midfielder Hardi Jaafar will be doubtful for tomorrow game. This means Indra Putra Mahayudding will be more on attacking midfielder role to support Malaysia strike force who will be carried by Safee Saali and Aidil Zakuan.

Young lads from Terengganu, Ashaari Shamsudin and Kedah sensation Khyril Muhaimeen is expected to be in starting line up as Malaysia winger. Malaysia expected to play attacking game against Nepal. But, Malaysia need to stay focus not to make any costly mistake that will wipe Malaysia hope in retaining the Merdeka Cup and improving FIFA world ranking.



Nepal participating in the Merdeka tournament for only the second time as their first appearance in 1983 ended in an embarrassing 0-6 during a group match.

"That bitter experience had taught us a lot. Thus, our team with a mixture of senior and junior players, are well-prepared now, than then and our top most priority will be to avenge the defeat suffered 25 years ago,"

Nepal, coached by Birat Krishna Shrestha who was also a player of the 1983 squad, are also known as "The Bull" for their robust approach had last played in the South Asian Football Federation Cup jointly hosted by Maldives and Sri Lanka last month.

Although they did not survive past the group stages, the manager felt his side had benefited from the experience.

Asked on his view about the Malaysian side, Rajendran said the national team was a formidable opponent and have several quality players as well as the advantage of playing at home.

Nevertheless, my boys would be out to create a sensational upset tomorrow, he said.

BolaToday is predicting that Malaysia will have a comfortable win. The score will be 4-0 for Malaysia. What you say? I would like to hear your comment...