The Malaysian team suffered a 0-2 defeat to Vietnam at home. Xuan Son opened the score in the 45+5 minute with a header after Tien Anh's cross. In the 86th minute, Faris accidentally scored an own goal after an effort to cut off Quang Hai's pass.
After the match, coach Tan Cheng Hoe admitted that Vietnam made good use of important moments, while Malaysia missed the opportunities created.
We know that facing Vietnam is really difficult times. They showed the best playing style. The players tried their best and showed confidence," Mr. Tan Cheng Hoe said.
Malaysia at one point controlled the ball better and put pressure on both wings. However, the home team was not sharp enough in the final touches. According to coach Tan Cheng Hoe, the possibility of the Vietnamese team changing state was also an issue that Malaysia had anticipated but could not control well.
We have prepared that Vietnam's ability to switch states is really dangerous. We have created opportunities but need to finish more sharply," he said.
The second goal conceded was a situation that made Malaysia pay the price for a mistake at the end of the match. Faris tried to cut off Quang Hai's pass but put the ball into his own net. Tan Cheng Hoe said that this is a clear lesson for young players.
At this level, if you make any mistakes, your opponent will punish you immediately," he said.
Despite the 0-2 defeat, the Malaysian coach still believes in the possibility of reversing the situation. He emphasized that the team still has 90 minutes left in the second leg in Hanoi.
We still have 90 minutes ahead. We haven't lost the whole battle, we've only lost one battle," Tan Cheng Hoe said.
The Malaysian strategist admitted that the second leg will be very difficult when the Vietnamese team plays at home, in front of the cheers of a large audience.
We know it's not easy to play in Hanoi, especially with the support of home fans. I want the players to go there and enjoy the match. Maybe we can score a goal and gain confidence," he shared.
Coach Tan Cheng Hoe also assessed the semi-final as an important experience for the group of young Malaysian players, especially in defense. He believes that such matches will help them accumulate experience and mature more at the international level.
Vietnam has a 2-0 advantage before the second leg. Malaysia will have to score at least two goals and minimize mistakes if they want to create a comeback at Hanoi.
