Mon Nov 18 22:57:47 UTC 2024: ## India and Malaysia Draw 1-1 in Friendly Match

**Hyderabad, India** – India and Malaysia battled to a 1-1 draw in their final FIFA friendly of the year on Monday at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad. The match, played in front of over 15,000 spectators, saw India dominate possession but concede an early goal.

Malaysia took the lead in the 19th minute through a fortunate goal by Paulo Josue. A long ball caught the Indian defense off guard, allowing Josue to easily tap the ball into the net after goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu misjudged the flight of the ball.

However, India responded strongly and equalized in the 39th minute. A corner kick from Brandon Fernandes was met with a powerful header by defender Rahul Bheke, leaving the Malaysian goalkeeper with no chance.

The match saw India coach Manolo Marquez give international debuts to four players: striker Irfan Yadwad, and Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Jithin MS, and Vibin Mohanan. Marquez expressed that while he was pleased with the fightback, he felt his team could have played with more pace. Sandesh Jhingan captained the side.

Brandon Fernandes was named the Tulsidas Balaram Player of the Match. The draw concludes India’s international fixtures for 2024 before they begin their Asian Cup qualifiers in March.

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