The 2022 World Cup qualifiers will be resumed in March 2021. The Malaysian team will have 2 matches against the UAE (away, March 25-) and the Vietnamese team (home, March 30). The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is very concerned about the current complicated developments of the COVID-19 epidemic, the Malaysian Government will apply a poor SOP, including a 14-day quarantine for those entering Malaysia.
That could make it difficult for Malaysia to complete the two matches against the UAE and Vietnam. Therefore, FAM hopes that the Malaysian team will apply a special process, both ensuring safety and ensuring smooth competition. FAM's request has been sent to the Malaysian Ministry of Youth and Sports to the National Security Council of Malaysia (MKN).
FAM President Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin emphasized that FAM should soon send requests for consideration by the Malaysian Government due to the importance of the two matches in March 2021.
At the moment in Group G, the Malaysian team is in 2nd place in Group G with 9 points. The team is behind the Vietnamese team (11 points) and ahead of the UAE team, which has only 6 points. Therefore, the results of the 2 matches in March will have a decisive impact on the chances of advancing to the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
Recently, FAM has extended the contract with coach Tan Cheng Hoe by 2 years. One of the goals FAM has set for the 52-year-old is to help Malaysia qualify for the 2023 Asian Cup. If they are at the top of Group G or one of the four best second-placed teams, Malaysia will complete their goal. The opportunity is clearly within Malaysia's reach.
