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KUALA LUMPUR – The final match in Group E of the 2023 Asian Cup qualifiers is set to be a spectacle as more than 45,000 fans have purchased tickets to watch Malaysia take on Bangladesh.
Harimau Malaya fans will be cheering on their countrymen as this will be their last chance to secure a spot in the Asian Cup after being absent from the tournament for 42 years.
However, among the black and yellow Malayan tiger colours surrounding the perimeter of the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, groups of dark green Bangladesh jerseys were also present.
Although Bangladesh is currently last and would not be able to win the group nor qualify by finishing as runners-up, Bangladeshis that live and work in Malaysia will be filling some of the stadium’s seats to cheer their players on.
As fans walked around the stadium snacking on Malaysian street food, the Bangladeshi fans were amongst the crowd, enjoying the spirit of football and comradery.
One such fan was Rakibul Molik, who said he had also been in the stadium to witness Bangladesh’s previous two matches.
“I made sure to come watch the match against Bahrain and Turkmenistan.
“Even though we lost both games, I did not want to miss the opportunity to support my country for the tournament,” he said, while taking photos with his friends outside the stadium.
The Malaysian fans also cheered their opponents’ supporters on as they bought food and drinks before the match began.
Rakibul added that he was fortunate to be able to leave work earlier to come for the matches as the previous games had kicked-off at 5.15pm.
“I am glad that my employer was understanding and let me leave slightly earlier as an opportunity like this does not come often.
“I am looking forward to tonight’s match as the atmosphere would be fantastic with the Malaysian fans,” he added.
Malaysia take on Bangladesh tonight at 9pm for their final chance to make it through to the 2023 Asian Cup on merit since 1980. – The Vibes, June 14, 2022
