Playing in homegrown, there is no excuse for Malaysia for not winning this tournament. Malaysia has been seeded in group A with Sierra Leon, Nepal and Afghanistan.

Looking at the group stage, Malaysia shouldn’t have any problem to qualify to semi final. If Malaysia qualify to semi final, they will me either Myanmar or Vietnam who is favorites in Group B. Group B consist of Myanmar, Vietnam, Mozambique and Bangladesh.

For this year edition, Malaysia not only representing as home team, but as defending champion. For the record, Malaysia beat Myanmar 3-1 last year to be crown as champion.

Today, Malaysia will hold their last friendly match before Merdeka Tournament meeting Pakistan. Even Pakistan is seven place below Malaysia in FIFA world ranking, Malaysia shouldn’t underestimate their opponent tonight. Players should show the professionalism to be select as last 22 to represent Malaysia in Merdeka Tournament from the remaining 29 players.

The match will be played at Bukit Jalil Stadium at 6.30PM today.