Malaysia Futsal National Team edge the first victory after a shocking won 4-2 to Vietnam in the Men’s Futsal in the SEA Games 2025 at Nonthaburi PAO Gymnasium, Nonthaburi.
Vietnam began the match with authority, dictating possession and tempo. Their early pressure paid off in the 17th minute, when Ngoc Anh’s successive efforts forced chaos in the box before Da Hai reacted quickest to tap home from close range, giving Vietnam a 1–0 lead.
Buoyed by the opener, head coach Diego Giustozzi’s men continued to press, carving out several dangerous chances and appearing in full control.
However, Malaysia showed remarkable resilience and efficiency. Nasir capitalised on a rapid dribble to equalise shortly after, shifting the momentum.
From there, Vietnam dominated possession but began to unravel defensively. Lapses in concentration, coupled with set-piece vulnerabilities and an uncertain moment from goalkeeper Van Tu, allowed Malaysia to strike twice more. Vietnam went into half-time trailing 1–3, despite controlling much of the play.
Vietnam’s hopes of a comeback were dented early in the second half when Malaysia struck again to make it 4–1, further compounding the pressure.
Refusing to surrender, Giustozzi switched to a power-play system, throwing everything forward in search of goals. Ngoc Anh, Gia Hung and Da Hai unleashed a series of long-range efforts, but Malaysia’s disciplined defence and an inspired goalkeeping display kept Vietnam at bay.
In the dying moments, Manh Dung’s clever back-heel finish reduced the deficit to 2–4, but it proved too little, too late.
Next match, Malaysia face Myanmar in their third group match on December 17, at Nonthaburi PAO Gymnasium.
Credit Photo : IMANE
