* Vietnam - Malaysia: Tuesday, 31/3, at 7 PM on VnExpress.

Malaysia, with 7 newly naturalized players, defeated Vietnam 4-0 in the second match of Group F at Bukit Jalil Stadium on 10/6/2025. That victory seemed to usher in a new era for Malaysian football. However, on 17/3/2026, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) ruled Malaysia forfeited 0-3 against Vietnam and Nepal. The 7 players were found to have violated eligibility rules by using falsified naturalization documents.

Ultimately, Malaysia lost its top spot in Group F and its Asian Cup 2027 finals berth to Vietnam. Their winless streak against Vietnam extended to 12 years. Malaysia's last victory, a 4-2 win, occurred in the second leg of the AFF Cup (now ASEAN Cup) semifinals in 2014 at My Dinh Stadium.

Vietnam (red jerseys) lost 0-4 to Malaysia in the second match of Group F, Asian Cup 2027 final qualifiers, at Bukit Jalil Stadium, Malaysia on 10/6/2025. _Photo: Hai Tu_

The naturalization fraud exposed significant weaknesses in the Football Association of Malaysia's (FAM) management, with additional penalties still pending. Fans, whose hopes were recently rekindled, have now lost faith and are calling for football reforms. The 7 players involved received a 12-month ban, while current national team members face disappointment after losing their chance to compete in a major tournament.

Amidst these challenges, the rematch with Vietnam is seen as an opportunity for coach Peter Cklamovski's team to regroup. The Australia-born coach has repeatedly emphasized "control" since the incident. He acknowledges that he cannot control external issues but implies that everything within the locker room and on the field remains under his command.

Before traveling to Vietnam, Malaysia held 5 days of closed training in Thailand, which coach Cklamovski described as their best preparation to date. "Nothing can break us thanks to our strong team spirit", Cklamovski stated at the pre-match press conference. "We aim to play our best football, as we have shown throughout this campaign, and pursue our first victory against Vietnam in 12 years."

Argentina-born Malaysian midfielder Sergio Aguero trains at Thien Truong Stadium in Ninh Binh on 30/3/2026. _Photo: Hieu Luong_

Many Malaysian experts, former players, and media outlets support Cklamovski's squad. They describe the match at Thien Truong Stadium as "for honor". Former international Azlan Johar wants the team to "humiliate Vietnam and prove they can still win without those 7 players". Meanwhile, former coach Datuk Rajagobal, who led Malaysia to the AFF Cup 2010 title, believes Vietnam is under more pressure.

Malaysia's current squad features many familiar faces who have previously played against Vietnam. They include 10 players of mixed heritage, notably Dion Cools (Belgium-born) who plays for Cerezo Osaka in J-League 1, and Nooa Laine (Finland). The 3 entirely foreign-born players are Endrick, Paulo Josue (Brazil), and Sergio Aguero (Argentina).

Nguyen Xuan Son (left) and Doan Van Hau train with the Vietnam national team at Thien Truong Stadium in Ninh Binh on 30/3/2026. _Photo: Hieu Luong_

The opponent's strong morale also motivates coach Kim Sang-sik's team. "I expect a 2-0 win", the South Korea-born coach stated. "The previous 0-4 loss is still very difficult for us to accept."

Coach Kim previously used that loss to boost player morale at SEA Games 33, when Vietnam defeated Malaysia 2-0 in the group stage. Additionally, he gains confidence from the return of Nguyen Xuan Son, Tran Dinh Trong, and Doan Van Hau after long injury layoffs, along with new naturalized player Do Hoang Hen.

Psychologically, Vietnamese players are more relaxed having already secured their spot in the Asian Cup 2027. However, tonight's match remains a crucial test of their character and playing style, serving as a practice run for future tournaments, with the ASEAN Cup 2026 being the next immediate challenge.

_Hieu Luong_