The Indian men’s football team is set to return to action during the November international break, as they ramp up preparations for the third round of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers scheduled to start in March.

The Blue Tigers will take on Malaysia in a FIFA international friendly at Hyderabad’s GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium on November 18, with live coverage available on Sports18 and JioCinema, as announced on Tuesday.

India, currently ranked 125, will be eager to secure their first win under head coach Manolo Márquez against Malaysia, ranked 133. Following a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Vietnam last month, the team hope to build momentum and secure a victory after two draws and a loss under Márquez.

This encounter marks the first meeting between the two sides since the Merdeka Cup semi-final in October 2023, where Malaysia defeated India 4-2. The upcoming friendly offers India a chance to turn the tables and gain confidence as they approach a crucial phase in their qualification journey.

Márquez had announced the probable squad for the friendly, with preparations already underway in Hyderabad from Monday. Midfielder Anirudh Thapa and forward Vikram Pratap Singh are out due to injuries, with Odisha FC's Thoiba Singh stepping in for Thapa.

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