9 Malaysia - Groundhopping at Bukit Jalil Stadium for Malaysia vs UAE

September 2019 saw the start of the joint qualifying campaign for World Cup 2022 and Asia Cup 2023, and anticipation was running high here, as this is the highest position that Malaysia have held in the FIFA rankings. The expectations increased after their first game, beating local rivals Indonesia away 3-2, coming back from 2-1 down and scoring a winner in the 97th minute. It feels like a great time to be living here, supporting the Tigers in their quest. 

I drove down to the stadium with my main man Sinchan, and he's got all the hook ups, as we were able to park at his friends residence opposite the stadium. We grabbed some food from one of the countless stalls dotted outside the stadium, and I was amazed by the sheer amount of stalls selling unofficial merchandise. We managed to hook up with the ultras as they marched to the stadium gates, and got warmed up with some chanting. I must say that we both looked the part as football casuals and Malaysia fans, sporting black Fred Perry shirts (black is the natural colour of the ultra) with yellow trim (yellow is the colour of Malaysia).

Banner reveal prior to the start of the game - the ultras are known as the tail of the tiger

The UAE are the number one seed in the group, and in their last match with Malaysia a few years ago, had beat them 10-0. However, the momentum was with the Tigers, who couldn't have got off to a better start, scoring a header from a corner in the first minute. The atmosphere was already electric and now it was put into overdrive. We were sat right in the mix, and we were joining in with all the chants, clapping, and jumping up and down - we were fully immersed in the collective spirit. 

Unfortunately just before half-time, the UAE playmaker scored an equaliser, so that quelled the party somewhat. By the start of the second half the party was back in full swing, however, their playmaker put another one through the sticks and now the tide had turned, and the reality had set it. Malaysia made a strong showing at the end to try and get an equaliser, and the ultras responded well with all their noise, yet it was not to be as the final whistle was blown. Malaysia did dominate the first half, and will rue not putting away more goals when they had the chance. Still, there were lots of positives from their performance and their start to the campaign, and I look forward to joining the ultras again at the next home games against Thailand and Indonesia. 

Overall it was a great experience, and it felt quite unique being with ultras for a national team game - it's something that doesn't seem to be common here in Europe - only at club level. From checking out all the different ultras t-shirts, there were fans from all over Malaysia, who all support different teams, yet united under the banner of the Malaysian Tigers. I think this relates to their cultural context, being a relatively new state with a vast mix of different ethnic groups united under the Malaysian banner, and that is probably why this easily crosses over into the football arena.