Kim Sang-sik, Vietnam national team head coach has issued a public apology following his side’s devastating 4-0 defeat to a resurgent Malaysia in their second match of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Round 3 Group F.
Vietnam arrived at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium with high hopes of securing three crucial points to boost their qualification chances for the tournament in Saudi Arabia. But those ambitions were brutally shattered by a dominant Harimau Malaya side, powered by five newly-approved heritage players making their debuts.
The match turned one-sided in the second half, with João Figueiredo, Rodrigo Holgado, La’Vere Corbin Ong, and Dion Cools all finding the back of the net to seal a sensational 4-0 win for Malaysia in front of a raucous home crowd.
At the post-match press conference, Kim Sang-sik opened with a heartfelt apology to Vietnam’s fans, visibly shaken by the heavy loss.
“First of all, as head coach, I want to sincerely apologize to all Vietnamese fans—those watching on television and those who came to the stadium,” Kim stated solemnly.
The defeat leaves Vietnam in second place in Group F, with three points from two matches, having won their opening fixture. They will now shift focus to their next qualifier, hosting Nepal in October—a must-win clash to stay on track for Saudi Arabia 2027.
Meanwhile, Malaysia, under head coach Peter Cklamovski, will look to extend their perfect start when they face Laos in Vientiane on 9 October, riding high on confidence after two straight wins and no goals conceded.
Credit Photo : VFF
