Malaysia head coach Tan Cheng Hoe insists “nothing is impossible in football” as the Harimau Malaya prepare to face defending champions Vietnam in the first leg of the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 semi-final.
Despite entering the tie as clear underdogs against a Vietnam side that has gone 22 matches unbeaten, Tan insists Malaysia have nothing to fear when the two teams meet on home soil.
For Malaysia, the semi-final represents a remarkable achievement given the team’s difficult preparation, injuries and player-availability issues throughout the tournament.
But with the opportunity to reach the final now within touching distance, Tan believes his players must embrace the occasion rather than be overwhelmed by the reputation of their opponents.
“As a coach, I believe nothing is impossible in football.”
That belief has become the central message inside the Malaysian camp.
Vietnam arrive as one of the tournament favourites after an outstanding group-stage campaign in which they scored 13 goals in four matches.
They also possess considerable experience and attacking quality, including several players who have represented Vietnam at youth level and have now established themselves within the senior national team.
He warned his defenders that Vietnam’s ability to transition quickly, combine at speed and attack with physical strength could cause major problems.
However, rather than allowing his team to become obsessed with Vietnam’s strengths, the Malaysian coach wants his players to concentrate on their own performance.
“We have to go into the pitch with confidence. At the same time, the focus is on our team, not too much on the Vietnam team.”
Tan believes the support of the Malaysian fans could also become a decisive factor.
Playing the opening leg at home gives Malaysia the opportunity to create momentum before travelling to Hanoi for the second leg.
“Playing at home, we need to make use of the chance and the support from the fans. They really give us the motivation.”
Malaysia’s preparations have fallen short. Several players have struggled with injuries, while others are unavailable because of club commitments. The situation has particularly affected the midfield, prompting Tan to consider several younger players for the biggest match of their international careers.
Tan admitted that the lack of depth is a concern, but he refused to use the situation as an excuse.
“We cannot find an excuse that we don’t have this player or that player. Everyone in the squad has to prepare themselves.”
The Malaysian coach also confirmed that Sumare has trained with the team and is ready for the match, while several other players remain unavailable.
For Tan, the answer is collective responsibility. “We have to work together. We have to fight together.”
The coach believes the unity within the squad can compensate for the absences.
He highlighted the relationship between experienced players and younger members of the team, describing mutual respect as the foundation of Malaysia’s team spirit.
“The experienced players guide the young players, and the young players really respect the experienced players. This is all about respect and unity.”
Defender Ubaidullah Shamsul echoed his coach’s belief and insisted that Malaysia’s players are approaching the semi-final without fear.
“For me, tomorrow is the biggest game, more than the final itself.”
Ubaidullah acknowledged that Vietnam are favourites on paper, but believes Malaysia can cause another major upset if they execute their game plan properly.
“Vietnam is the favourite in this tournament. We are the underdogs, but we will do our best to win tomorrow’s match.”
He also rejected the idea that Malaysia should simply attempt to survive against Vietnam.
“Nothing is impossible. Everything could happen. One mistake can upset the other.”
One of Malaysia’s most encouraging developments during the tournament has been the developing partnership between Ubaidullah and Rodney Celvin at the heart of the defence.
The pair possess different characteristics, but Ubaidullah believes those differences have actually strengthened their partnership.
“Ronnie and I have a very different style of play. I love to play more with the ball, while Ronnie is more like my brother — he’s always covering me.”
Ubaidullah also revealed that he has learned considerably from the more experienced defender.
Their understanding could be particularly important against Vietnam’s fast-moving attack.
Vietnam’s 13 goals in the group stage underline the scale of the challenge.
Tan highlighted their pace, movement and combination play, while Ubaidullah expects another demanding night for the Malaysian backline.
But the defender believes the solution is simple: defend as one unit.
“Every game in this tournament is always a busy night for the defenders. If we work as a unit, we can stop them from scoring.”
And Malaysia is not planning to sit back completely. Ubaidullah believes the Harimau Malaya can also hurt Vietnam at the other end of the pitch.
“We can also score goals. If you score, you win. If you concede, you lose. That’s the point of the game.”
Asked about an underdog story that could inspire Malaysia, Tan pointed to one of football’s greatest reminders that rankings do not always decide matches.
He referenced Cape Verde’s ability to frustrate Spain at the World Cup, using the example to reinforce his message that football can produce unexpected results when an underdog gets the right moment.
“Nothing is impossible in football. When you have the right moment, the right timing, everything can be right for you.”
For Tan, the lesson is clear: Malaysia must remain disciplined, patient and ready to take advantage when their opportunity arrives.
Ubaidullah shared the same belief, recalling his own experience of facing Vietnam and the inspiration he draws from seeing underdog teams achieve unexpected success.
The Harimau Malaya know that the first leg will be critical. A positive result in Malaysia would give the team confidence before the return match in Hanoi.
Tan did not hide his ambition. “We want to go into the pitch with good motivation to get a good result before playing against Vietnam in Hanoi.”
Ubaidullah was even more direct when discussing Malaysia’s objective. “We are dreaming to go to the final. There’s no impossible in football. When you do your best, you will make it happen.”
The defender also made clear that Malaysia cannot afford to lose the opening leg on home soil. “A win is the first choice. If we draw, it’s good for us to bring our motivation to Hanoi.”
Credit Photo : FAM
