"We only lost one match; 90 minutes are still ahead, so we haven't lost the war," Tan said after the game at Kuala Lumpur stadium. "We know playing in Hanoi will not be easy, especially with Vietnam's home crowd support and a large-capacity stadium. With such pressure and fervent atmosphere, I want the players to go there and enjoy the match. Of course, an early goal would boost my players' confidence for the return leg."

Coach Tan Cheng Hoe during the press conference after Malaysia's 0-2 loss to Vietnam in the first leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 semifinals, at Kuala Lumpur stadium, Malaysia on the evening of 16/8. *Duc Dong*

Despite not having their strongest squad and a poor head-to-head record, Malaysia started well, creating numerous threats on Vietnam's goal. Had the home strikers capitalized on their opportunities, or if goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang hadn't made crucial saves, Vietnam's net might have been breached.

However, the visiting team demonstrated the qualities of reigning champions, seizing even the slightest opportunities to decide the match. In first-half stoppage time, naturalized forward Nguyen Xuan Son scored the opening goal with a diving header from Truong Tien Anh's cross. Late in the second half, in an attempt to block a pass from substitute midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai, defender Danish accidentally scored an own goal, securing Vietnam's 2-0 victory.

According to coach Tan, his players lacked focus in pivotal moments, but he refused to blame them. "That mistake is a valuable experience for players when performing in a critical match within a difficult atmosphere against a better team. As a coach, I always tell players that mistakes are part of the game, but they must continue playing with all they have, maximizing their abilities," he added.

The Malaysian coach also acknowledged Vietnam's significant threat and strong performance. "Nevertheless, my players gave their all and showed confidence. We created chances but lacked the sharpness in finishing to score," coach Tan lamented.

Finally, the 58-year-old strategist recognized the contributions of experienced players, viewing them as a driving force for young players' development, especially since Malaysia no longer relies on mass naturalization. "Experienced players genuinely help the team. They did their best to encourage and support the young players. Regardless, even if they make mistakes, we still encourage them to train and become better versions of themselves," he stated.

The two teams will play the return leg at My Dinh stadium on 19/8. According to coach Tan, while they have not given up hope, the upcoming match promises to be a significant challenge for Malaysia, a team that has lost six and drawn one in their seven most recent encounters with Vietnam in the ASEAN Cup.

Duc Dong