Preparations for the semi-final first leg at Kuala Lumpur stadium are intensifying, but the host team faces a significant squad issue. Malaysia had only 16 players participate in the afternoon training session on 11/8, as many team members were sidelined due to injuries.

Coach Tan Cheng Hoe speaks during Malaysia's training session on 11/8. Photo: FAM

Malaysia had previously lost three more key players: Endrick Dos Santos, Jimmy Raymond, and Engku Nur Shakir. This is in addition to midfielder Zhafri Yahya, who withdrew before the team's first match. These injuries have complicated Coach Tan Cheng Hoe's preparations for the clash with Vietnam. He currently has only 22 players, with six unable to train.

Despite these challenges, Malaysia remains confident heading into the semi-final. Right-back Muhammad Alif Ahmad stated he is ready to take on greater responsibility if given the opportunity to play against Vietnam.

Alif, 23, is a notable young player for Malaysia in the tournament. He plays for Johor Darul Tazim's reserve team, making his call-up to the national squad a surprise.

In the opening match against Myanmar, Alif did not perform well and received significant criticism from fans. However, the defender said that the criticism did not discourage him; instead, it became a motivation to improve. He also felt pressure playing for the national team for the first time but has performed better with each subsequent match.

Against Vietnam, the 23-year-old defender understands the pressure will be much greater. He stated this is a big responsibility but is prepared to contribute if the coach continues to show confidence in him.

The Malaysian defender also highlighted the important role of captain Paulo Josue in helping young players integrate. According to Alif, Josue consistently encourages younger members and helps them feel more confident playing for the national team.

Vietnam has never overcome Malaysia in two previous ASEAN Cup semi-final encounters, being eliminated in the 2010 and 2014 AFF Cups. In 2010, Vietnam lost 0-2 in the first leg and then drew 0-0 at My Dinh stadium. In 2014, they won 2-1 away but lost 2-4 in the return leg, resulting in a 4-5 aggregate elimination. However, Vietnam did defeat Malaysia in their sole final meeting, with a 3-2 aggregate victory in 2018.

Across all 15 ASEAN Cup encounters, Vietnam has won nine, drawn three, and lost three, scoring 22 goals and conceding 15. In the 2026 group stage, Vietnam topped Group A with 10 points, scoring 13 goals and conceding one. Malaysia finished second in Group B with nine points, scoring seven goals and conceding three.

Malaysia will host Vietnam at Kuala Lumpur stadium on the evening of 16/8, before the two teams play the return leg on 19/8 at My Dinh. The winner of the two-leg tie will advance to the ASEAN Cup 2026 final to face either Thailand or Singapore.

Compiled by Hoang An