KUALA LUMPUR: The boycott by fans wasn't so bad this time for tonight's Merdeka Tournament final between Malaysia and Lebanon.
At least 5,000 fans turned up at the 85,000 capacity National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
That's a bit better than the paltry 2,000-plus fans who came to the venue for Malaysia's match against the Philippines last Wednesday.
It is said that many Malaysian fans, upset with FAM's poor handling of football matters in the country, are boycotting the Merdeka Tournament by staying away.
Malaysia struggled to overcome world No. 147 Philippines in the semi-finals.
As today (Sunday) is a non-working today and since it's a final, the fans' turnout is rationally more than Wednesday's match against the Philippines.
It is also likely that Malaysian fans, who don't often get to see their national team hold a trophy, excitedly anticipate a "trophy-winning" evening.
According to Timesport's observation, the fans started arriving at the stadium as early as 7pm.
A fan, Ghadaffi Adman, who brought his children, Mirza (10) and Harith (8) to the National Stadium, said: "This is their first experience watching in person, and I hope it inspires them to enjoy football with their friends in the future."
Another fan, Julianna Kahar, said she and her family also watched the Philippines match at the stadium earlier.
"It's a great way to spend time as a family, and we are hopeful that the national team can lift the trophy tonight," said Julianna.
There won't be 85,000 people to rock the stadium with their roar, but the cheers from 5,000 supporters will still be much welcomed by Harimau Malaya.
Malaysia, who haven't won the Merdeka Tournament in the last 11 years, aim to end the drought tonight by beating Lebanon.