Vietnam advanced to the semifinals as Group A winners, following victories over Timor Leste (7-0), Indonesia (3-0), Cambodia (3-1), and a 0-0 draw with Singapore. Malaysia secured second place in Group B with wins against Myanmar (2-1), Laos (4-0), Philippines (1-0), and a 0-2 loss to Thailand.

The two teams previously met in the final qualifiers for the Asian Cup 2027, a series marked by off-field controversies. In June 2025, Malaysia initially secured a surprising 4-0 victory at Bukit Jalil Stadium but was later penalized with a 0-3 loss for fielding seven illegally naturalized players. For the return leg at Thien Truong Stadium in March 2026, Malaysia, without its quality naturalized players, lost 1-3 to Vietnam.

Xuan Son (red) competes with a Malaysian player during a match at Thien Truong Stadium, Ninh Binh, on 31/3. *Photo: Duc Dong*

Since their last encounter, Malaysia has parted ways with Australian coach Peter Cklamovski, appointing technical director Tan Cheng Hoe as interim coach. The squad for the Asean Cup 2026 has been labeled a "C-team" as most key players are absent.

Vietnam has not lost to Malaysia since 2015, holding a record of nine wins and one draw. Their most recent defeat, a 2-4 scoreline, occurred in the second leg of the Aff Cup 2014 semifinals.

Coach Kim stated that playing away against Malaysia will not be easy, and the players must adapt to a different pitch surface. Kuala Lumpur Stadium still uses cow grass, while Vietnamese players are accustomed to Bermuda grass.

Following the first leg, the two teams will meet again at My Dinh Stadium for the second leg of the semifinals in three days. The winner of this match-up will face either Thailand or Singapore in the Asean Cup 2026 final.

Vy Anh