The Malaysian team will enter the semi-finals of ASEAN Cup 2026 with a weak force. Coach Tan Cheng Hoe said that the notable difference before the match against Vietnam lies in the quality of personnel.
The Vietnamese team has an advantage because they have the strongest squad playing in this tournament, but we have the home advantage and will take full advantage of it," Mr. Tan Cheng Hoe said.
Previously, the Vietnamese team maintained a stable force in the group stage journey, while Malaysia continuously lost players. Endrick and Aliff Haiqal could not play due to injuries; Sumareh and Engku Nur Shakir also had physical problems. Most notably, Wan Kuzain had to return to the US after Sporting JAX club called him up.
We cannot register any new players for the upcoming match as well as for the rest of the tournament. We are forced to continue playing with the existing force," said Mr. Tan Cheng Hoe.
The midfield becomes an even more difficult problem. The Malaysian team usually plays 4-3-3 with three central midfielders, but currently only Ziad El-Basheer, Sergio Aguero, Ibrahim Manusi and Daryl Sham George are left for this position.
Therefore, Mr. Tan Cheng Hoe can use versatile players such as Aysar Hadi Sapri or Paulo Josue. However, he does not want to disrupt the system just to fill the void.
I know we have versatile players who can play in many different positions, but I will not choose anyone just to have enough troops. They must be really ready to play in midfield, because we understand the opponent's ability.
I want the players to clearly understand tactical requirements, have discipline to defend firmly, maintain concentration and play intelligently both when having the ball and not having the ball," he emphasized.
The Malaysian team will host Vietnam at 8:00 PM on August 16th in Kuala Lumpur. The second leg will take place on August 19th at My Dinh Stadium.
