KUALA LUMPUR: Beware of the Gurkhas as Nepal could punish Harimau Malaya in their Asian Cup qualifier at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Nov 18.
Nepal are flying in with renewed hope under new coach Hari Khadka, whose tactical approach remains a mystery.
Hari, appointed on Oct 31 to replace Australian Matt Rose, has retained most of the familiar faces to marshal the Gorkhalis in the qualifier.
The new coach will test his side in a friendly against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Thursday, giving Malaysia’s coaching staff a chance to study Nepal’s new playing style.
National coach Peter Cklamovski said his men will be prepared for any tactic employed by world No. 180 Nepal.
“Nepal have appointed a new coach, so we might see a different game in Bukit Jalil. But we’ll be ready for everything and anything,” said Cklamovski, who has helped Malaysia climb to world No. 118.
“Our training model is designed for that. We want to end 2025 unbeaten and send our fans home with a smile. Whatever they do — however they line up or play — we’ll be ready.
“We’ll use these eight or nine days to ensure we’re at our best.”
In their last Asian Cup qualifier, Nepal were unlucky to lose 1-0 to Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City on Oct 14, courtesy of an own goal by Suman Shrestha in the fifth minute.
On paper, group leaders Malaysia, who have collected 12 points, are favourites to overcome bottom-placed Nepal, who are still searching for their first point.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
