Malaysia was defeated 0-3 in two matches against Nepal and Vietnam for ineligible player naturalization. This decision caused the above-mentioned team to be deducted 6 points, and the goal difference was also significantly affected. From the leading position with 15 points after 5 consecutive wins, Malaysia dropped to second place with 9 points.
In the opposite direction, the Vietnamese team was defeated 3-0 against Malaysia instead of the previous 0-4 defeat. This result helped coach Kim Sang-sik's team increase the total score to 15, and improve the goal difference, thereby rising to the top of Group F.
The remaining two teams, Laos and Nepal, have not changed much in the situation. Both have 3 points after 5 matches, but Nepal is ranked above thanks to better goal difference. However, the opportunity to compete for a ticket to the next round for these two teams is almost gone.
Notably, with a gap of 6 points compared to Malaysia in the context that the qualifying round is only 1 match left, the Vietnamese team has officially won the right to participate in the 2027 Asian Cup finals. According to the format, only the top team in each group has a ticket to continue, so the coach and his team have completed the goal early before one matchday.
The match between Vietnam and Malaysia on March 31st is therefore no longer of decisive significance for a ticket to the next round, but mainly of a procedural nature. However, this is still a noteworthy confrontation when both teams want to close the qualifying round with a positive result.
The penalty from AFC not only created a major turning point in Group F but also reflected the serious consequences of violations in the management and player registration of Malaysian football, thereby completely changing the situation of the race in this group.
