MUSCAT: Harimau Malaya's World Cup qualifying campaign resumes with a tough Group D encounter against world No. 80 Oman with Kim Pan Gon's side hoping to reach the third round of the competition for the first time at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat tomorrow (Friday, 2am).
Malaysia have recorded two wins, the last being at the Merdeka Tournament in 2000, and one draw against Oman, with the Red Warriors winning the other three encounters.
In the most recent encounter, Oman blanked world No. 132 Malaysia 6-0 in a friendly in Seeb.
Under newly appointed coach Jaroslav Silhavy, Oman hope to record a statement win over Kim Pan Gon's side to reignite their hopes of reaching the third round of the qualifiers.
Malaysia picked up maximum points from their matches against Kyrgyzstan (4-3) and Taiwan (1-0) last year, while Oman have three points from two games.
Based on form, Oman are expected to beat Malaysia as their players are in better physical condition thanks to the ongoing Omani Professional League.
As for Malaysia, their players have just started pre-season with their respective clubs for the new M-League season, which only starts in May.
However, backed by their inspiring 3-3 draw against South Korea in the recent Asian Cup, the Malaysian players will be inspired to pull off a surprise and draw closer to their target of reaching the third round.
Naturalised striker Romel Morales, who scored a stoppage-time goal against South Korea, will likely be given the role to lead the forward line.
Morales, who recently joined M-League champions Johor Darul Ta'zim, hopes to rekindle his partnership with his former KL City teammate Paulo Josue in the qualifier.
Morales and Josue's effective partnership saw KL City winning the 2021 Malaysia Cup and reaching the finals of the 2022 AFC Cup and 2023 FA Cup.
"Josue and I played together for three years at KL. I hope both of us will be in the starting lineup when we face Oman," said the 26-year-old.
Morales hopes to create history with Harimau Malaya in their World Cup quest.
"It is great motivation to have the support of the fans because they're always behind the team.
"Malaysia are performing well, so we need to do our best and hope for a positive outcome.
"Of course, I'm ready to make history because it's the dream of all Malaysians to see this team progress to the next stage in this qualifying round.
"So we need to fulfil our duties, even though we know Oman is a tough team. However, we will try to get a good result."
Oman comprise mostly of players from their top club, Al Seeb.
Among them are striker Muhsen Al Ghassani, who has scored six goals in the Oman Professional League (OPL), seasoned hitman Abdulaziz al Maqbali (three goals) and midfielder Salah Al Yahyaee (four).
