KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia have Tokyo Olympic semi-finalists India and Asian Champions Trophy winners Japan for company in the women's Asia Cup in Muscat on Jan 21-28.
Singapore make up the last opponents in Group A. Malaysia had hammered Singapore 12-0 in their last meeting at the 2019 Banbridge Series Finals.
China, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia are in Group B.
The tournament is a qualifier for the World Cup, jointly hosted by Spain and the Netherlands, on July 1-17.
The top four teams will qualify for the World Cup.
"The plus point at the Asia Cup is that we have nothing to lose against higher-ranked teams like India and Japan. There is no pressure on my girls at all.
"The heat will be on India and Japan as they are the favourites," said national coach Nasihin Nubli today.
A win against Singapore and an upset against India or Japan will see Malaysia qualify for their first women's World Cup.
"The stakes are high as Asia have been given four World Cup slots, and Malaysia have always been fifth in the Asia Cup.
"And so, my players will push hard and try to make history," said Nasihin.
In the 2017 edition in Kakamigahara, India were gold medallists, followed by China, South Korea, Japan and Malaysia.