Both teams have three points, of which U22 Malaysia is leading the group thanks to a goal difference after a 4-1 victory over U22 Laos last week.
U22 Vietnam also beat U22 Laos but with a score of 2-1. Therefore, the match between U22 Vietnam vs U22 Malaysia will decide the top spot in Group B. U22 Malaysia has an advantage when it only needs a draw to top the group to get a ticket to the semi-finals.
Nafuzi clearly affirmed that Malaysia will proactively attack the opponent.
He shared: "Our goal is always to win and get three points. At least, we are not allowed to lose - just that is enough to bring us into the semi-finals. We are preparing very carefully for this match.
After analyzing the recent performances of U23 Vietnam, including the victory over Laos and their impressive performance at the ASEAN Cup 2024, Nafuzi clearly understands the tasks ahead.
"U22 Vietnam is a very strong team. Since the ASEAN Championship, they have shown their class. We know they are superior to us in many areas, but the important thing is how we play and how we prepare, Nafuzi added.
In the U22 Vietnam squad participating in the SEA Games, there are a number of players who have won the 2024 ASEAN Cup. Leading U22 Vietnam is also Mr. Kim Sang-sik, who helped the Vietnamese team win the Southeast Asian championship last year.
U22 Malaysia is expected to adjust their tactics compared to the match against Laos.
Although Nafuzi was satisfied with the players' performance in the opening match, he said that U22 Vietnam will bring a completely different intensity of competition.
"U22 Laos and U22 Vietnam are two very different teams. Our preparation work will change. We can adjust the playing style, and the players who were not on the field before may have a chance. We will assess everything as the match approaches," he said.
Malaysia has received good news when midfielder Aliff Izwan Yuslan joined the national team after Selangor allowed him to compete in the SEA Games. Meanwhile, winger Haqimi Azim Rosli, who returned to Kuala Lumpur after his father's death, is unlikely to return to the team in time.
Despite having few high-quality options, Nafuzi is still not shy.
"U22 Malaysia has additions and losses, but overall our squad has not changed much. We accept the challenges and focus completely on the match against U22 Vietnam, concluded the U22 Malaysia coach.
The match between U22 Vietnam and U22 Malaysia will take place at 4:00 p.m. tomorrow (December 11), considered the "Group B final" when deciding the ticket to the semi-finals with the top spot in the group.
