Coach Tan Cheng Hoe admitted that Malaysia is at a disadvantage after the 0-2 defeat in the first leg, but affirmed that his team is still confident and will try to change the situation in the second leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 semi-final.
Before the second leg, coach Tan Cheng Hoe was asked about the difference between coach Park Hang-seo and coach Kim Sang-sik, two strategists who once led the Vietnamese national team that he had the opportunity to face.
For me, it is very difficult to compare whether Mr. Park or Mr. Kim are better. They have different players in hand. Previously, Mr. Park Hang-seo had many good players, from young to national team, including players who had participated in the World Cup. This time Mr. Kim has more new players and that is good for the team," coach Tan Cheng Hoe said.
Malaysia entered the second leg with a difficult task when losing 0-2 at home in the first leg. However, coach Tan Cheng Hoe believes that his players still have a chance if they maintain their focus.
Regarding the results of 2014, the first leg Malaysia lost 1-2 and then came back from behind. After so many years, key players and coaches have changed.
I think the current players have identified the situation at this time, playing against Vietnam is always difficult. We want to create a game that forces Vietnam to defend instead of attack. This gives me a positive belief that the players must focus on every moment," he said.
The Vietnamese team has many good players, good tactics, but in football everything can happen. There is no fixed secret, just focus and good results may appear at some point," the Malaysian coach added.
Regarding the statistics that the Vietnamese team has been undefeated in the second leg semi-finals since 2016, coach Tan Cheng Hoe said that past numbers do not determine the outcome of the match.
I know the statistics about the Vietnamese team having an unbeaten result, but in football nothing can be predicted. We always respect the Vietnamese team, but Malaysia also has confidence and great motivation," he said.
Tomorrow, the Vietnamese team will have a large number of fans coming to the stadium, but we have prepared carefully. As a coach, I not only look at the data in the past but must try to change it," the Malaysian strategist affirmed.
Coach Tan Cheng Hoe also emphasized the psychological requirements for the players in the face of pressure from the media and the advantage of the Vietnamese team.
I don't want my players to be affected by the media. The most important thing is that they must accumulate experience, progress and change their performance. We will fight together to aim for positive results, and need calmness in all situations," he shared.
Regarding the goal in the upcoming match, coach Tan Cheng Hoe admitted that Malaysia is at a disadvantage but affirmed that the team is ready.
I know the current result is unfavorable for the Malaysian team. But we are confident in facing the upcoming challenge. The Vietnamese team has many advantages in tomorrow's match, but our players are ready," coach Tan Cheng Hoe said.
In the first leg semi-final in Kuala Lumpur, the Vietnamese team won 2-0 thanks to goals from Xuan Son and an own goal from Faris Danish. This result helps coach Kim Sang-sik's team have a great advantage before the second leg.
