KUALA LUMPUR: Kyrgyzstan supporter Ersin Umaiyov is thrilled to see his football hero Tursunali Rustamov in front of his eyes as they take on Malaysia in the second round of the 2026 World Cup qualifier at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tonight.
The 18-year-old Asian Pacific University (APU) student who has been in Malaysia for a year, said around 20 Kyrgyz students in Malaysia connected on Whatsapp to attend the match and support their team nicknamed 'The White Falcons'.
Umaiyov, attending his first match in Malaysia, said that the Malaysian fans were welcoming and friendly.
"I can't wait for this match to start, I love football and our national team, and I hope they can win the match," said Umaiyov.
"My favourite player is Rustamov, and I'm quite excited to see him play.
"I like Malaysia, it's a modern country and I enjoy being here. Malaysian fans are friendly and they took pictures with us and wished our team good luck. We hope for a good match and a win for us."