Malaysia’s national team suffered a 3-1 defeat against Vietnam’s national team in their final AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualification match at Thien Truong Stadium, Ninh Binh.
The result brought Malaysia’s qualification campaign to a close with three wins and three losses from six matches, while Vietnam celebrated a strong home performance in front of their supporters.
Malaysia started with Syihan Hazmi guarding the goal, while star winger Faisal Halim spearheaded the attack and Matthew Davies wore the captain’s armband.
The hosts fielded goalkeeper Nguyen Filip and relied on naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son as their key attacking threat.
Vietnam wasted little time asserting control. Just six minutes into the match, captain Do Duy Manh rose highest to head home from a corner, giving the home side an early lead and sending the crowd into celebration.
The Harimau Malaya responded with several promising attacks during the first half.
Both Faisal Halim and Stuart Wilkin tested the Vietnamese defense, but goalkeeper Nguyen Filip produced crucial saves to keep Malaysia from finding an equalizer.
Vietnam nearly doubled their advantage in the 31st minute when new naturalized player Do Hoang Hen unleashed a powerful strike from outside the penalty area. However, Syihan Hazmi reacted well to deny the effort.
After the break, Vietnam intensified their pressure, with Nguyen Xuan Son continuing to threaten Malaysia’s defense.
The striker eventually struck twice within ten minutes, extending the Golden Star Warriors’ lead to 3-0 and effectively putting the match beyond Malaysia’s reach.
Malaysia managed to reduce the deficit in the 77th minute when substitute Endrick dos Santos converted a penalty after fellow substitute Daniel Ting was brought down inside the Vietnamese penalty area.
The 3-1 result confirmed Vietnam’s dominance at home while highlighting Malaysia’s struggles in crucial away fixtures during the qualifying campaign.
Credit Photo : ZNews
