Guangzhou:Kelana Jaya: The national football team, Harimau Malaya, is set to play two Tier 1 international friendlies against China's national team in Guangzhou on November 14 and 17. These matches are organized to boost Malaysia's world ranking.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan, the president of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), emphasized the importance of these friendlies in collecting ranking points. Additionally, improving the team's ranking could enhance their position in the draws for the 2032 AFC Asian Cup and 2030 World Cup qualifiers.

FAM is currently focusing on planning Tier 1 international matches, as each game provides an opportunity to earn valuable ranking points. This initiative is part of the broader preparation strategy for Harimau Malaya.

The team is also competing in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, which kicked off in Indonesia. Harimau Malaya started their campaign with a 3-0 victory over Bangladesh and a goalless draw against Indonesia. They will face Singapore in their final group match at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung.

Malaysia leads Group A with four points, on par with Indonesia but ahead on goal difference. Singapore holds third place with three points, while Bangladesh is at the bottom with no points. Group B includes Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Pakistan. The group winners will progress to the final, and the runners-up will compete for third place, with both matches scheduled at GBK on October 5.