Malaysia’s hopes of reaching the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 final suffered a major setback after the Harimau Malaya were beaten 2-0 by defending champions Vietnam in the first leg of their semi-final at KLFA Stadium, Kuala Lumpur.
Both sides entered the match looking to secure a positive advantage before the return fixture in Hanoi, but it was Kim Sang-sik’s Vietnam who emerged with the upper hand after a late own goal added to Nguyen Xuan Son’s opener.
The result also means Malaysia must overcome a significant historical obstacle as they continue their search for a first victory over Vietnam since 2014.
New PSM Makassar signing Sergio Aguero was once again trusted by Malaysia head coach Tan Cheng Hoe to anchor the Harimau Malaya midfield, while Vietnam placed their attacking hopes on prolific forward Nguyen Xuan Son.
However, Malaysia’s plans suffered an early blow in the 16th minute. Rodney Celvin, was forced off after picking up an injury.
His departure allowed Aysar Hadi to make his international debut for the Harimau Malaya.
Despite the disruption, Malaysia remained competitive and created their best opportunity of the first half in the 34th minute.
Captain Paulo Josue saw his effort denied by Vietnam goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang, before Daryl Sham followed up with a second attempt that flew over the crossbar.
Vietnam responded immediately. In the 45th minute, Nguyen Dinh Bac came close to breaking the deadlock, but Malaysia goalkeeper Azri Ghani produced an important save to keep the score level.
Just when the first half appeared destined to end without a goal, Vietnam finally found the breakthrough.
Nguyen Xuan Son struck to give the defending champions a 1-0 lead heading into the interval.
The goal changed the complexion of the contest. Vietnam returned from the break with renewed confidence and continued to put pressure on the Malaysian defence, searching for a second goal that would give them a much stronger advantage ahead of the return leg.
Vietnam were briefly given a major scare in the 61st minute. Assistant referee officials spotted an incident involving Patrik Le Giang, with the Vietnam goalkeeper appearing to handle the ball outside his penalty area.
Uzbekistani referee Rustam Lutfullin initially showed the 33-year-old goalkeeper a straight red card.
However, after reviewing the incident with VAR, Lutfullin overturned the decision and cancelled the red card.
Le Giang was therefore allowed to remain on the pitch, giving Vietnam an important reprieve as Malaysia attempted to find a way back into the contest.
Tan Cheng Hoe responded with further changes, introducing Haqimi Azim and Ibrahim Manusi for Mohamadou Sumareh and Syafiq Ahmad.
For Ibrahim, it was another significant moment as he made his Malaysia senior international debut.
Malaysia continued to fight for an equaliser, but Vietnam remained dangerous as the match entered its final stages.
Then, in the 86th minute, the defending champions doubled their advantage. Malaysia defender Faris Danish Mohd Asrul suffered an unfortunate moment when the ball deflected off him and ended up in his own net.
The JDT II player could do little to prevent the deflection, with the own goal giving Vietnam a 2-0 lead.
Malaysia pushed forward during the remaining minutes in search of a crucial away goal, but Vietnam’s defence held firm.
The final whistle confirmed a 2-0 victory for Vietnam.
The defeat leaves Malaysia facing a difficult task in the second leg.
Vietnam will travel into the return fixture with a two-goal advantage, while Malaysia must produce a significantly stronger performance if they are to overturn the deficit and reach the ASEAN Hyundai Cup final.
Credit Photo : FAM
