Pau Marti Vicente, head coach of Malaysia national football team, views the upcoming match against New Zealand as a golden opportunity to make history for Malaysian football.
After a 1-1 draw with A-League newcomers Auckland FC on October 11, the Harimau Malaya now shift their focus to an international friendly against the All Whites.
This encounter marks the first time the two teams will meet since their last friendly on February 23, 2006, when Malaysia fell 2-1 to New Zealand in Auckland. In that match, the hosts found the net through Campbell Banks and Andrew Barron, while Malaysia’s Safee Sali scored a consolation goal under then-coach Norizan Bakar.
Though New Zealand holds the upper hand in terms of the historical record, Pau Marti believes Malaysia has its own mission. In addition to seeking victory, Malaysia aims to boost its FIFA ranking, potentially moving up from 132nd to 130th with a win.
Pau Marti emphasized the significance of the match, stating, “For the national team, every game is special, and we have the chance to make history. If we win tomorrow, we can surpass the 130th position in the FIFA ranking. It’s another step forward for this team.”
Harimau Malaya will aim to replicate their previous success against New Zealand, achieved on July 1, 1999, when the team, led by Haji Abdul Rahman Ibrahim, secured a 2-1 victory over the All Whites.
The friendly will be held at North Harbor Stadium on October 14, and Malaysia will be eager to prove their worth on the international stage.
Credit Photo : FAM
