KUALA LUMPUR: Harimau Malaya will take on a top New Zealand club this Friday after failing to secure a friendly with other national teams from the Oceania region.
The match will complement Malaysia's preparations for their friendly against New Zealand in Auckland on Oct 14.
In a statement, national caretaker coach Pau Marti Vicente confirmed that the FA of Malaysia (FAM) reached out to eight national teams in Oceania, including Solomon Islands, Fiji, Tahiti, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea.
However, these teams were unable to commit due to their respective World Cup qualifying matches on October 10, 11, and 12.
"Despite this, the trip remains valuable as we will have the chance to face New Zealand, ranked No. 95 in the world.
"The squad will fly to Auckland tonight to begin a week-long training camp. This extended preparation period will allow the team to strengthen its cohesion and unity before facing New Zealand," Vicente said.
Vicente also confirmed that the team will travel with only 26 players, as captain Dion Cools has withdrawn due to family matters.