Malaysia lost to Vietnam 0-2 in the second leg at My Dinh Stadium on 19/8, exiting the semi-finals with a 0-4 aggregate defeat. Coach Tan Cheng Hoe acknowledged that Vietnam deserved the victory, having fielded their strongest lineup, prepared better, and held the title of defending champions.

Vietnam made five changes compared to the first leg. In defense, center-back Bui Hoang Viet Anh was replaced by Doan Van Hau, while Phan Tuan Tai took Nguyen Van Vi’s place on the left flank. Midfield captain Nguyen Quang Hai replaced Le Pham Thanh Long, and Do Hoang Hen and Nguyen Hai Long came in for Nguyen Xuan Son and Nguyen Tai Loc respectively. However, Coach Tan Cheng Hoe was not surprised by these adjustments.

Malaysian coach Tan Cheng Hoe at the post-match press conference after the ASEAN Cup semi-final second leg against Vietnam at My Dinh Stadium, Hanoi on 19/8. Photo: Duc Dong

"Through previous matches, I knew Vietnam would rotate players", Tan Cheng Hoe stated at the post-match press conference. "Coach Kim would rest key players in the first half, then introduce them from the second half to change the game’s dynamic".

These adjustments proved effective as Vietnam maintained good control in the first half, preventing Malaysia from penetrating their flanks as they had in the first leg. In the second half, Nguyen Xuan Son, with his superior stamina, scored two goals against Malaysia’s fatigued defense.

This result propelled Vietnam into the ASEAN Cup final for the second consecutive time, marking their third appearance in the last four tournaments. Their opponent will be Thailand, who defeated Singapore 4-3 in the other semi-final. This upcoming match also represents the first time this specific pairing has met in three consecutive Southeast Asian championship finals.

In the 2022 tournament, under Coach Park Hang-seo, Vietnam drew 2-2 in the first leg at My Dinh Stadium, then lost 0-1 at Thammasat Stadium. Two years later, Coach Kim Sang-sik led Vietnam to a 2-1 victory at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho, followed by a 3-2 win at Rajamangala Stadium.

In this year’s tournament, Coach Tan Cheng Hoe and Malaysia previously lost 0-2 to Thailand in the group stage. He anticipates an exciting final match.

"Both teams have their own advantages, but it will be a balanced final in terms of squad and players", Tan commented. "They are the two best teams in the tournament. I wish both will deliver their best performance to offer an interesting match".

The first leg of the final will take place at Rajamangala Stadium on 22/8. Four days later, the second leg will be held at My Dinh Stadium. In three previous final encounters, Vietnam has defeated Thailand two times, in 2008 and 2024.

Thailand leads the championship count with 7 titles. Meanwhile, Vietnam has three championships and is one title behind Singapore.

Duc Dong - Hieu Luong