Re-encounter fate
The Malaysian team won a ticket to the semi-finals with second place in Group B. Coach Tan Cheng Hoe's team has 9 points with 3 wins against Myanmar 2-1, Laos 4-0, Philippines 1-0 and lost to Thailand 0-2. This achievement brought Malaysia to the knockout round, creating a remarkable reunion with the Vietnamese team.
The two teams are not unfamiliar in regional and continental arenas. Vietnam and Malaysia just met in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. In the match on March 31, 2026 at Thien Truong Stadium, Vietnam won 3-1. However, the result of this match is not considered the only basis to evaluate the semi-finals of ASEAN Cup 2026.
The Malaysian team has changed in terms of coaching staff, personnel and team operations. Mr. Tan Cheng Hoe was appointed as interim coach from June and this is also the coach who led Malaysia to the final of the 2018 ASEAN Cup.
Meanwhile, at ASEAN Cup 2026, the Vietnamese team advanced with the top spot in Group A after 4 unbeaten matches. Coach Kim Sang-sik's team won against Timor Leste 7-0, Indonesia 3-0, Cambodia 3-1 and drew with Singapore 0-0. Quang Hai and his teammates scored 13 goals, conceding only 1 goal.
The schedule also creates a certain advantage for Vietnam when the second leg will take place at My Dinh Stadium on August 19. Previously, coach Kim Sang-sik and his team will be guests in Malaysia on August 16.
Is the Malaysian team worrying?
The Malaysian team is not a team that has the ability to control the match overwhelmingly for a long time. Their strength lies more in their ability to switch states, compete and take advantage of moments when the opponent is distracted. This is clearly shown in the group stage.
In the match against Myanmar, Malaysia was put under pressure by the opponent but still came back to win 2-1 thanks to Paulo Josue's double. Against Laos, they created a large gap of 4-0. In the last match against the Philippines, Pavithran's goal helped Malaysia take the lead from the 16th minute and this team maintained the advantage until the end of the match. After 4 matches, Malaysia scored 7 goals and conceded 3 times. The +4 goal difference is not too outstanding compared to Thailand, but it shows that they have a balance between attack and defense.
Paulo Josue is a name that the Vietnamese team needs to pay attention to. This naturalized striker scored 2 goals in the opening match. In addition to finishing ability, experience playing in the region helps Josue become one of the players who can make a difference in big matches.
Besides, Malaysia also has players familiar with Southeast Asian football such as Sergio Aguero, Endrick, Sumareh or Syafiq Ahmad. Wan Kuzain is also a noteworthy factor when quickly making his mark in the new squad.
Compared to the previous period, the Malaysian national team no longer relies too much on the naturalized players as it did 1 year ago. The current squad is built from a combination of experienced players and new factors. This helps coach Tan Cheng Hoe have more options in the way he organizes his playing style.
Another point to note is that Malaysia entered the semi-finals after experiencing highly competitive matches. They once encountered difficulties against Myanmar, lost to Thailand and had to win in the final round to advance. Such matches help this opponent accumulate more experience, bravery and how to overcome pressure.
Therefore, the Vietnamese team is not underestimated compared to the opponent. Compared to 4 months ago, Malaysia is present with a newer framework, experienced head coach, understanding of Southeast Asian football and careful preparation for the ASEAN Cup.
Coach Kim Sang-sik once said that he spent time monitoring and studying the teams in Group B before determining the semi-final opponents. Therefore, meeting Malaysia or Thailand is both in the preparation plans of the Vietnamese team.
The important thing for the defending champion is to take advantage of the break time before the first leg to complete the problems that have been revealed in the group stage. The defense is not allowed to lose focus leading to personal mistakes like the match against Cambodia, the midfield needs to maintain better control and the attack must take advantage of opportunities effectively.
