KUALA LUMPUR — Harimau Malaya’s participation in the 2026 Asean Fifa Cup in Indonesia from September 24 to October 3 is seen as the ideal platform to restore the nation’s footballing pride following the turmoil that has affected the sport.

Despite being drawn into a challenging Division 1 Group A alongside Indonesia, Singapore and India, local football observer Zakaria Rahim said the players must rise to the challenge with the determination to restore supporters’ confidence in Harimau Malaya.

He said the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) must also field the country’s strongest available squad to mount a serious challenge in the inaugural edition of the tournament.

“Although the supporters are disappointed with the situation surrounding FAM, including its leadership and other issues, I believe that deep down they still want to see success, especially a victory over Indonesia.

“Such a result would go a long way towards bringing the fans back to support Malaysian football. It is not merely about winning or losing, but about restoring the dignity of our football through this tournament.

Previously, Malaysia were handed severe sanctions by Fifa over forged documentation involving seven ineligible heritage players: Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Gabriel Palmero, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel.

As a result, Fifa annulled the results of three international friendlies against Cape Verde, Singapore and Palestine, awarding 3-0 victories to the opposing teams.