According to information published by Malaysian media, many players of this national team are having physical problems and injuries, so they cannot return to training with the whole team. The shortage of troops at an important time may affect Malaysia's tactical preparation process before the confrontation with Vietnam.
Previously, Malaysia confirmed that they would not have the services of Endrick Dos Santos, Jimmy Raymond and Engku Nur Shakir Engku Yacob in the knockout stage. All 3 players were identified to have physical problems after experiencing a tense schedule in the group stage.
The absence of many players has forced coach Tan Cheng Hoe to recalculate the personnel plan. Not only affecting the starting lineup, the shortage of players can also reduce substitution options in high-intensity matches.
Malaysia qualified for the semi-finals of ASEAN Cup 2026 in second place in Group B. This team has 9 points, behind Thailand - the leading team in the group with 12 points. Meanwhile, Vietnam topped Group A after the group stage and qualified for the semi-finals with a perfect record.
According to the schedule, Malaysia will host Vietnam in the first leg of the semi-finals on August 16th at Kuala Lumpur Stadium. Three days later, the two teams will play the second leg at My Dinh Stadium, Hanoi.
This is a significant challenge for Malaysia as this team must maintain fitness and competitiveness in both legs. In the context of the force not being guaranteed, coach Tan Cheng Hoe will have to have appropriate calculations to limit the impact from injuries.
With the Vietnamese national team, coach Kim Sang-sik and his team are aiming for a favorable result away from home before returning to Hanoi to play the second leg. As the defending champion, Vietnam is aimed at defending their title at the ASEAN Cup 2026.
ASEAN Cup 2026 takes place from July 24 to August 26 with the participation of 10 teams, divided into 2 groups. The top two teams in each group qualify for the semi-finals.
In the remaining semi-final pair, Singapore will meet Thailand in the first leg on August 15. The second leg between the two teams takes place on August 18 in Bangkok.
The first leg semi-final between Malaysia and Vietnam takes place on August 16. The second leg is held at 8:00 PM on August 19 at My Dinh Stadium.
