"This is not a 90-minute match, but a 180-minute contest," Zakaria told Bernama news agency on 15/8. "They will play 90 minutes in Malaysia before heading to My Dinh. Therefore, before arriving in Hanoi, Malaysia needs to inflict some damage on Vietnam."

The expert emphasized that Malaysia does not necessarily need a wide-margin victory. What is important is for coach Tan Cheng Hoe's team to secure a significant advantage to enter the second leg with confidence.

Malaysian football expert Zakaria Rahim. Photo: *Bernama*

Zakaria has been present in Hanoi numerous times when Malaysia played the Vietnam national team. He considers My Dinh one of the most challenging stadiums in the region. The pressure from tens of thousands of Vietnamese supporters can directly impact the home team's performance. "Their fans are very passionate. The players also compete for their supporters and know that the fans want a victory. Therefore, Malaysia must gain something in Kuala Lumpur. If we go to Hanoi without an advantage, we will face a major problem," he added.

However, Malaysia enters the semi-finals with severe squad shortages. Coach Tan Cheng Hoe only has about 16 players available for training, making team selection and tactical planning difficult. "Whoever can be used, must be used," Zakaria stated.

Endrick Dos Santos, Jimmy Raymond, Aliff Haiqal Lokman Hakim Lau, and Engku Shakir Engku Yacob cannot play due to injuries. Meanwhile, Wan Kuzain has returned to Sporting Jax club in the US.

Due to the absence of many key players, Zakaria believes Malaysia must control the game effectively and limit the disruptive potential of dangerous Vietnamese players. According to him, the team needs to contain the two influential midfielders, Nguyen Quang Hai, Nguyen Hoang Duc, and also striker Nguyen Xuan Son.

Vietnam defeated Malaysia 3-1 in the final match of the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, on 31/3, at Thien Truong Stadium, Ninh Binh. Photo: *Duc Dong*

"Do not give Quang Hai space to operate behind Malaysia's midfield, as that is very dangerous," he added. "Do not let him pass the ball to Xuan Son. Hoang Duc must also not be allowed space to move. These three players need to be closely marked."

Xuan Son previously scored in Vietnam's 3-0 victory over Indonesia in the ASEAN Cup 2026 group stage. The Brazilian-born striker also netted two goals in the 3-1 win against Malaysia in the final match of the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers at Thien Truong Stadium.

In addition to marking individual players, Zakaria wants Malaysia to control the pace of the game to limit Vietnam's speed advantage. The home team also needs to narrow spaces, especially when Vietnam builds up play and crosses the ball.

With the two-leg format, Malaysia needs a favorable result at home, while Vietnam has a chance to recover if they face a disadvantage before returning to My Dinh. As in the previous tournament, the away goals rule is not applied. The winner of this tie will likely face Thailand in the two-leg final.

Xuan Binh (via Bernama)