Harimau Malaya winger Faisal Halim welcomes the intense atmosphere at Gelora Bung Karno ahead of Malaysia’s clash with rivals Indonesia.
KUALA LUMPUR: Harimau Malaya winger Faisal Halim cannot wait to experience the electric atmosphere at Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno Stadium when Malaysia face traditional rivals Indonesia in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026.
Faisal said the prospect of facing Indonesia at the iconic venue in the second Group A match was an added source of motivation as Malaysia look to make a positive start to the tournament, which runs from Sept 25 to Oct 5.
The Selangor FC player said Malaysia-Indonesia clashes have always carried a special significance, having grown up watching the intense rivalry between the two sides.
“Of course I’m excited. When I was young, we saw that it was never easy when our national team played Indonesia. It was a match everyone looked forward to.
“Whatever happens, all the players have to be ready. Whoever coach Tan (Cheng Hoe) gives the opportunity to or selects, the responsibility of representing the national team is huge,” he told reporters at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) before departing for Jakarta today.
Faisal said he was unfazed by the prospect of facing provocation from the home supporters, describing the hostile atmosphere at Gelora Bung Karno as part of the challenge professional players must be prepared to handle.
“I think we are mature and professional. Whatever provocation or objects thrown at us by the supporters, we as players have to face it. We have to stay strong mentally and physically and be ready for the match against Indonesia,” he said.
The 28-year-old also stressed that helping Malaysia win was more important to him than scoring or providing assists, as he set his sights on helping Harimau Malaya progress to the next round.
“That is not important to me. What matters is winning for the team,” he said.
The tournament will see Malaysia competing in Division 1, having been drawn into Group A alongside hosts Indonesia, as well as Singapore and Bangladesh with Group B comprising Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Pakistan.
Malaysia, ranked 136th in the world, open their campaign against 181st-ranked Bangladesh at Gelora Bung Karno on Friday before facing Indonesia on Monday and Singapore at Stadium Si Jalak Harupat, Bandung, on Oct 1.
The Group A and Group B winners will meet in the final at Gelora Bung Karno on Oct 5, while the runners-up from both groups will contest the third-place playoff at the same venue and on the same day.