KUALA LUMPUR: National team interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe wants his men to build on their recent progress when they face China and Yemen in next month's international friendlies in Guangzhou.
Malaysia face hosts China on Nov 14 before taking on Yemen three days later. China is ranked 96th in the world and Yemen 144th in the FIFA rankings used for the November assignment.
Harimau Malaya climbed two places to 136th in the latest FIFA rankings, offering a small lift after their 17-place slide from 121st to 138th in March following FIFA and AFC sanctions over the fielding of ineligible players, which also led to matches being forfeited.
The friendlies will give Malaysia an opportunity to collect valuable ranking points as they look to rebuild their standing ahead of the 2030 World Cup and 2032 Asian Cup qualifying campaigns.
