Vietnam - Malaysia: 19:00, Tuesday, 31/3, on VnExpress.
Cklamovski arrived in Malaysia in December 2024. He immediately made an impact, going undefeated in 2025 with seven wins, including a 4-0 victory over Vietnam in the first leg of the 2027 Asian Cup final qualification round.
However, circumstances changed when FIFA determined that seven foreign-born players had used forged documents to gain Malaysian citizenship. For fielding ineligible players, Cklamovski's squad was handed 0-3 losses in five matches, including two wins against Nepal 2-0 and Vietnam 4-0. Consequently, Malaysia dropped from leading Group F of the 2027 Asian Cup final qualification to second place, six points behind Vietnam, with only one match remaining.
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Malaysia national team coach Peter Cklamovski spoke at a press conference at Bukit Jalil Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 23/3. *Photo: Bernama*
"I am frustrated, disappointed, and angry, just like many Malaysian fans," Cklamovski stated when rejoining the team on 23/3. "The short-term goal of participating in the Asian Cup has been completely taken away by factors beyond on-field performance and outside our control."
Before coming to Malaysia, the coach, born in 1978, had a strong resume, including working in Japan's J-League 1 and serving as an assistant coach for the Australia national team from 2014-2017. During that period, Australia won the 2015 Asian Cup and qualified for the 2014 World Cup. The team was then led by Ange Postecoglu, who previously managed Tottenham Hotspur, Celtic, and Nottingham Forest. Cklamovski credits his senior colleague as a major influence.
When Malaysia faced this crisis, Cklamovski immediately received offers from Japan and China. However, he expressed happiness in Malaysia and a love for the national team. The Australian coach is determined to lead Malaysia to new heights to overcome the pain of losing their Asian Cup spot.
"Twelve months ago, I came to Malaysia with a long-term vision towards the World Cup," Cklamovski stated. "What just happened does not deter that goal. I want to take this country to the World Cup. I need the entire footballing nation to develop and unite."
Indeed, the Malaysia national team under Cklamovski is regarded for its discipline and tactics. This squad, even without the seven naturalized players and star Arif Aiman due to injury, remains determined to secure three points when playing away against Vietnam at Thien Truong Stadium on 31/3.
The 28-player squad summoned is familiar, comprising: 10 players of mixed heritage and three entirely foreign-born individuals. Malaysia also regrets that Bergson (Brazil) and Giancarlo Gallifuoco (Australia) could not complete their naturalization procedures in time.
Today, Malaysia will depart for Bangkok, Thailand for training. On 28/3, the team will travel to Vietnam.
Hieu Luong
