In the second leg semi-final match at My Dinh Stadium on the evening of August 19, the Malaysian team suffered a 0-2 defeat to Vietnam. This result caused coach Tan Cheng Hoe's team to lose 0-4 overall and miss the opportunity to participate in the ASEAN Cup 2026 final.
Malaysian media assessed the defeat to the Vietnamese team as a result reflecting the true situation of the two matches. Some analysts believe that Malaysia faced many difficulties in controlling the game when the opponent actively pushed up the pace and created continuous pressure.
The Vietnamese team had many clear advantages and created dangerous opportunities. Besides, Malaysia also suffered losses when striker Sergio Aguero had to leave the field on a stretcher due to injury in the 25th minute.
After Aguero left the field, Malaysia faced even more difficulties in organizing attacks. The Vietnamese team maintained control of the match and made good use of the gaps in the opponent's defense.
Xuan Son is the player who made the biggest difference. Brought on in the second half, the striker born in 1997 scored both goals, helping the Vietnamese team win 2-0 and advance straight to the final.
Meanwhile, Korean media paid special attention to coach Kim Sang-sik. Vietnam's entry into the final opens up an opportunity for the Korean strategist to create a historical milestone.
The Vietnamese team is maintaining a 24-match unbeaten streak, including 21 wins and 3 draws. This achievement helps coach Kim Sang-sik and his team have more basis to aim for the goal of defending the ASEAN Cup championship.
If crowned at this year's tournament, Mr. Kim Sang-sik will become the first coach to help the Vietnamese team win the ASEAN Cup for two consecutive tournaments. Previously, the team won the championship in 2008, 2018 and 2024 but never successfully defended the championship.
Vietnam's opponent in the final is Thailand. The first leg will take place on August 22 at Rajamangala Stadium, before the two teams rematch at My Dinh Stadium on August 26.
