Malaysia players posing for team photo before the start of the match against Cambodia in the 2016 AFF Suzuki Cup 20/11/16Asiana

Malaysia to face North Korea, Lebanon and Hong Kong in Asian Cup qualifiers


BY         NIK AFIQ        Follow on Twitter


The Harimau Malaysia are up for a tricky time in the 2019 Asian Cup Qualifiers, after they were drawn in Group B with North Korea, Hong Kong and Lebanon.

Malaysia, currently ranked 161st in the FIFA World Ranking, are expected to face tough challenges from North Korea and Hong Kong, who are 125th and 140th respectively, for a spot in the 2019 Asian Cup.

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2019 Asian Cup qualifiers Group B

Lebanon, who are 148th in the ranking, are also expected to give a tough challenge for Ong Kim Swee’s men.

Malaysia however have a good record against Hong Kong, having recorded two wins and three draws in their last five meetings, with the most recent result coming in 2015, a 0-0 draw at the Shah Alam Stadium.

Malaysia in the meantime last met North Korea in the year 2000, with Malaysia losing 4-1, and their last victory over the Koreans was back in 1974. The last time Malaysia were up against Lebanon was 42 years ago, when they suffered a 3-1 defeat to the Middle-East side.

Harimau Malaysia will travel to North Korea for their first game on March 28th, followed by two home games against Lebanon and Hong Kong.

Only the top two teams from each group will qualify for 2019 Asian Cup, which will take place in UAE from 5th January to 1st February 2019.

Asian Cup 2019 Draw

The 2019 Asian Cup draw. Photo by AFC

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