The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) recently ruled that Malaysia forfeited matches against Vietnam and Nepal, reversing a 4-0 victory over Vietnam on 10/6/2025. This decision, announced on 17/3, came after 7 naturalized Malaysian players were found to have used forged documents in the final round of Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. The ruling means Malaysia lost 0-3 in both matches, jeopardizing their Asian Cup 2027 qualification and extending their winless streak against Vietnam to a 12th year. The last time Malaysia defeated Vietnam was in the second leg of the AFF Cup 2014 (now ASEAN Cup) semifinals at My Dinh stadium, Hanoi.

The naturalization fraud exposed significant loopholes in the management of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), with additional penalties still under consideration. Fans, whose hopes had been high, have expressed widespread disappointment and called for comprehensive reform within Malaysian football. The 7 players involved in the scandal received a 12-month ban from playing, while other national team players felt the pain and frustration of losing their chance to compete in a major tournament.

Vietnam (in red) lost 0-4 to Malaysia in the second leg of Group F of the Asian Cup 2027 final qualifiers at Bukit Jalil stadium, Malaysia on 10/6/2025. Photo: Hai Tu

Vietnam (in red) lost 0-4 to Malaysia in the second leg of Group F of the Asian Cup 2027 final qualifiers at Bukit Jalil stadium, Malaysia on 10/6/2025. Photo: Hai Tu

Amidst these difficulties, the upcoming rematch with Vietnam is seen as a crucial opportunity for coach Peter Cklamovski's team to regroup and restore morale. The Australian coach has frequently emphasized "control" since the incident, suggesting that team dynamics in the locker room and on the field remain within his purview.

Malaysia's current squad features many familiar players who have previously faced Vietnam. The team includes 10 players of mixed heritage, notably Dion Cools (Belgian origin) who plays for Cerezo Osaka in J-League 1, and Nooa Laine (Finnish). The three fully foreign-born players are Endrick, Paulo Josue (Brazilian), and Sergio Aguero (Argentinian).

For Vietnam, the match marks the return of Nguyen Xuan Son, Tran Dinh Trong, and Doan Van Hau after extended injury layoffs, alongside new naturalized player Do Hoang Hen. Psychologically, the Vietnamese players approach this game with a relaxed mindset, having already secured their spot in the Asian Cup 2027.

Vy Anh