Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Malaysian National Team failed to win over Auckland FC and had to settle for a 1-1 draw in the match which took place in Auckland, Friday (11/10).
Malaysia even conceded first in the match. Francis de Vries managed to break into Harimau Malaya’s goal in the 25th minute.
Malaysia was only able to score an equalizer in the 59th minute. Malaysia’s goal was scored by Nooa Laine.
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This draw made Malaysia unable to continue its winning trend. In the previous three matches, Malaysia was able to beat Taiwan, the Philippines and Lebanon.
However, the Malaysia vs Auckland FC match is clearly not included in the FIFA calendar. Malaysia played a duel against Auckland FC because they were unable to get another national team as an opponent on FIFA Matchday this time.
Malaysia can only lock the schedule against New Zealand. The New Zealand vs Malaysia duel will take place on Monday (14/11). Because they couldn’t compete, Auckland FC was appointed as the other opponent on Malaysia’s tour of Oceania this time.
Auckland FC itself is a relatively young club in New Zealand football. Based on existing data, Auckland FC was only founded on March 14 2024, which is still six months old.
Malaysia did not qualify for the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification because it only ranked third in the second round. That’s why they fill FIFA Matchday with friendly duels.
For November, Malaysia has locked in one duel against India, namely on November 19. One other match will most likely also be against a South Asian team.
All the series of test duels are also Malaysia’s preparations for the AFF Cup. The 2024 AFF Cup will be held starting December.
[Gambas:Video CNN]
(jun)
