At the Merdeka tournament 2023 semifinal draw, held on Tuesday by the Malaysia Football Association, the Indian senior men’s squad was paired against the hosts, Malaysia.
On October 13, the game will be held at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur. The other semi-final, which took place earlier that day, pitted Palestine versus Lebanon.
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This will be Malaysia’s 32nd international encounter against India, a record. The Blue Tigers prevailed 3-2 in the most recent encounter, a friendly match played in Kolkata back in 2011.
India will make its first appearance at the Merdeka event since 2001 and its 18th overall in 2023. India’s best results were finishing second in 1959 and 1964.
The final will take place on October 17 between the semi-finalists. The third-place play-off will feature the two losing clubs.
Draw for the 2023 Merdeka Tournament (IST):
Lebanon vs. Palestine, October 13, 2 PM
India vs. Malaysia, October 13, 2023, 6 p.m.
Playoff for third place on October 17, 2023 at 2:00 PM
6.30 p.m. on October 17, 2023.
