KUALA LUMPUR: The national football team didn't get what they wanted, which was getting placed in Pot 1 for the 2027 Asian Cup third round qualifying draw.
Harimau Malaya ended up in Pot 2 instead.
Despite Malaysia moving up a rung to world No. 132 in the latest ranking, it was not enough to edge out India for a place in Pot One.
There will be four pots during the draw on Dec 9. Malaysian team officials felt that Pot 1 would have improved Harimau Malaya's chances of qualifying due to better seeding.
Football analyst Datuk Richard Scully said Malaysia must approach the Asian Cup qualifiers draw with an open mind.
"We must take whatever comes and do our best. We focus on managing each match, regardless of the opponents," said Richard.