Malaysia’s hopes of reaching the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 final for the first time since 2018 were ended by defending champions Vietnam, who secured a 2-0 victory in the second leg to advance with a 4-0 aggregate triumph.
The Harimau Malaya arrived in Hanoi needing to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit, while Vietnam only had to protect their advantage to secure another appearance in the championship decider.
Vietnam ultimately proved too strong, with Nguyen Xuan Son scoring twice to settle the tie and send the Golden Star Warriors into another final against Thailand, recreating the 2024 final showdown.
Vietnam immediately took control of the match and repeatedly tested the Malaysian defence, led by young forward Nguyen Dinh Bac.
The hosts came close to opening the scoring in the 10th minute when Doan Van Hau rose to meet a cross, but his header was brilliantly denied by Malaysia goalkeeper Azri Ghani.
Thirteen minutes later, Dinh Bac produced another dangerous effort, curling a shot towards goal only for Azri to react quickly and make another outstanding save.
Malaysia were forced into an early change in the 35th minute when Sergio Aguero was unable to continue because of injury.
Syafiq Ahmad was brought on as his replacement. Despite Vietnam’s sustained pressure, Malaysia managed to reach half-time without conceding.
Malaysia returned from the interval with greater attacking intent. Mohamadou Sumareh, G. Pavithran and captain Paulo Josue began creating more problems for the Vietnamese defence.
In the 53rd minute, Malaysia produced their best spell of the match when Josue and Pavithran both tested Vietnam goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang.
Le Giang responded brilliantly, producing two important saves to keep Vietnam’s advantage intact.
But the hosts were also aware that another goal would put the tie almost beyond Malaysia’s reach.
Vietnam head coach Kim Sang-sik therefore introduced his biggest attacking weapon.
In the 62nd minute, Nguyen Xuan Son came on for Nguyen Hai Long. The forward, whose full name is Rafaelson Bezerra Fernandes, wasted little time making his presence felt.
Just minutes after entering the field, Xuan Son beat Azri Ghani to put Vietnam ahead on the night. Vietnam 1-0 Malaysia and the goal stretched Vietnam’s aggregate advantage to 3-0 and effectively put one foot in the final.
Malaysia now needed three goals without reply to keep their championship dream alive.
Vietnam were forced into a substitution of their own in the 71st minute when Phan Tuan Hai picked up an injury.
Nguyen Van Vi was brought back into the match to fill the left-back position.
Malaysia continued attempting to find a response, with interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe introducing Hadi Fayyadh Abdul Razak for Paulo Josue in the 79th minute.
It was another opportunity for the young forward to gain valuable international experience on one of the biggest stages in Southeast Asian football.
But Vietnam remained in control with Malaysia unable to find the goals they needed, Vietnam delivered the final blow in the 89th minute.
Xuan Son struck again to complete his brace and make it 2-0 on the night, securing a comprehensive 4-0 aggregate victory.
The final whistle confirmed Vietnam’s place in the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 final.
For Malaysia, the result brings an end to a campaign in which a new generation of players gained invaluable experience on the regional stage.
Vietnam will now face Thailand in the final, creating a repeat of the 2024 ASEAN Championship final.
Credit Phoo : FAM
