Harimau Malaya Players, FAM Come Under Fire After Kiwi Debacle

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- The Harimau Malaya players and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) have come under fire following the team's woeful 4-0 loss to New Zealand in a Tier 1 international friendly at the North Harbour Stadium in Auckland yesterday.

Local football analyst Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli feels that the heavy defeat is a glaring indication of the continuously weak handling of the national team, which is not something new.

"This isn't the first time this has happened and various excuses have been bandied about without actually admitting the weakness of the team's management,” he said when contacted by Bernama today.

Besides the weak management, Pekan also criticised the on-field performance after the team produced a dreadful display despite fielding an experienced starting 11.

"Their performance was sloppy, their ball control and possession was weak, they were uninspired and not competitive enough… 

"Not only did they not play for the badge on their chest, their commitment has also been questioned by supporters,” said Pekan.

He also touched on the approach taken by head coach Pau Marti Vicente, who seems to be still experimenting with the squad despite having spent more than two years with the team as former coach Kim Pan Gon's assistant.

Pekan said Vicente's ambiguous game plan yesterday also led to an inconsistent performance from his players.

"This puts the focus firmly on Vicente's tactics, where it seems like he's still experimenting with the squad although he should have a better grasp of things, having been Pan Gon's assistant. This is something he failed to take advantage of.

"Perhaps, he's experimenting because he's still unsure of his position as the national team head coach. So, FAM must move faster to pick a new head coach for the team's short and long-term preparations,” he said.

Pekan said there is an urgent need for changes in the team, including the selection of a head coach and long-term strategies, to ensure Malaysia are fully prepared for the challenges in the 2030 World Cup/2031 Asian Cup qualifiers.

"We have already failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and, as for the 2027 Asian Cup, our fate hangs in the balance. So, think ahead and promptly draw up strategic plans,” he said.

Yesterday, Malaysia crashed to a 4-0 loss to New Zealand in their first meeting in 18 years, having lost to the All Whites 2-1 in Auckland in 2006.

Yesterday's loss was Malaysia's first after four competitive matches under Vicente since the Spaniard took over as head coach from Pan Gon, who resigned in July.

Last month, Vicente guided Malaysia to victory in the 2024 Merdeka Tournament here.

-- BERNAMA