India vs Malaysia ended in a 1-1 draw in Hyderabad, marking another tough outing for Manolo Marquez’s men. While the Indian football team hasn’t secured a win under their new coach yet, Marquez is unwavering in his belief that India will qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2027.
A Mixed Bag of Positives and Concerns
Monday night’s match against Malaysia showcased a familiar pattern for India — defensive solidity marred by missed opportunities upfront. The result leaves India winless for the calendar year, a statistic that doesn’t sit well with the fans. Yet, Marquez, ever the optimist, found positives amid the disappointment.
“We are disappointed not to win but I am sure we will qualify for the AFC Asian Cup in 2027,” said Marquez after the game. The coach, who took over after Igor Stimac’s departure, remains confident in his squad’s potential despite the ongoing struggles.
Match Recap: A Tale of Missed Chances
India began the game with energy, pressing Malaysia high and maintaining solid defensive discipline. However, the match took an unfortunate turn in the 25th minute when a rare mistake from goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu gifted Malaysia their opener. Attempting to clear a routine pass, Sandhu mishit the ball, allowing Malaysia to capitalize.
India responded well, and their persistence paid off in the second half. In the 68th minute, Anwar Ali rose highest to meet a pinpoint corner, heading the ball past the Malaysian keeper to level the scores.
Despite late pressure from Malaysia — including a heart-stopping moment where they hit the post — India held firm to secure a draw. While the result wasn’t what the home crowd had hoped for, it demonstrated India’s growing resilience under Marquez.
Marquez’s Assessment: Room for Improvement
Marquez acknowledged India’s shortcomings, particularly in attack, but praised the team’s defensive work.
“We defended very well. They didn’t create chances till the last moment when they hit the post,” Marquez noted.
However, the Spaniard was quick to admit that scoring goals remains a glaring issue for the team, especially in the absence of retired legend Sunil Chhetri.
“The important thing is to score. At least we understand what we want to do. It’s correct that we have more room for improvement. We can and we will play better than today for sure,” he added.
India’s Journey Under Marquez: A Slow Start
Marquez inherited a team in transition, with questions lingering about its attacking identity. His first games saw India draw against Mauritius and lose to Syria in the Intercontinental Cup, and Monday’s result against Malaysia continued the trend of underwhelming performances.
Despite the lack of wins, there’s no denying the tactical shift under Marquez. The players are pressing better, defending with greater cohesion, and showing glimpses of fluid play in attack. The challenge lies in turning those glimpses into consistent performances.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the AFC Asian Cup 2027
Marquez has his eyes set on March, when India begins its AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. With four months to prepare, the coach remains optimistic about the team’s chances.
“I know that it’s been a while since the national team has won a game, but we will win in March,” Marquez declared.
The qualifiers will test India’s mettle, but with the right mix of preparation, strategy, and perhaps a sprinkle of luck, they have the tools to succeed.
FAQs
The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Anwar Ali scoring for India and Malaysia benefitting from a goal following a Gurpreet Singh Sandhu error.
Marquez is confident that India will qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2027, despite the team’s current struggles.
While the defense has improved, the team needs to work on converting chances and finding a consistent replacement for Sunil Chhetri.
The qualifiers begin in March 2024.
Conclusion: A Work in Progress
India vs Malaysia may not have delivered the victory fans hoped for, but it offered a glimpse into the potential of Manolo Marquez’s squad. Defensive resilience, tactical growth, and a never-say-die attitude are reasons to believe in the team’s future.
With four months to prepare for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, the focus now shifts to fine-tuning the attack and building confidence. While the road ahead is challenging, Marquez’s optimism and the team’s growing cohesion suggest that brighter days may be just around the corner.
