Malaysia's U22 team suffered a 0-2 defeat to Vietnam U22 at Rajamangala Stadium this afternoon, 11/12, a result that coach Nafuzi Zain attributed to a lackluster first-half display. The loss has complicated Malaysia's path to the semi-finals of SEA Games 33.
Vietnam quickly established their lead, scoring two goals in the 11th and 22nd minutes. The first goal came from a header by center-back Nguyen Hieu Minh following a left-wing corner kick. Pham Minh Phuc then extended their advantage, tapping in close-range to seal the 2-0 victory for Vietnam.
Coach Zain admitted that his players did not execute instructions properly. "They lacked aggression, left too many spaces, and made mistakes," Zain stated at the post-match press conference. "In the second half, we rectified this. The players tried to attack, controlled the game, and did not concede further."
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Coach Nafuzi Zain at the post-match press conference after Malaysia's 0-2 loss to Vietnam in the final Group B match of SEA Games 33 men's football, at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on 11/12/2025. *Photo: Hieu Luong* |
The coach, born in 1978, acknowledged Vietnam's superior quality but maintained that Malaysia had prepared a plan to counter them. He described the outcome as disappointing, but praised his players' effort.
Adding to their challenges, Malaysia faced squad instability, with several key players unable to join the team from the start. After their 4-1 victory over Laos, Malaysia welcomed three additional players: defender Ubaidullah Shamsul, Aiman Yusuf, and forward Aliff Izwan. However, forward Haqimi Azim had to return home to mourn his recently deceased stepfather, further impacting team cohesion.
Malaysia currently sits second in Group B with three points, a goal difference of +1, and four goals scored. Their advancement now hinges on external results. The team must hope Myanmar draws with the Philippines in the final Group C match tomorrow, 12/12, or that there is a minimal winning score where no team scores more than three goals.
"I hope luck will be on Malaysia's side for us to advance past the group stage," coach Zain commented. "I am proud of what the players have contributed, and a ticket to the next round would be a deserving reward."
Hieu Luong
