Malaysia U17 national team saw their dream of ASEAN glory slip away after a 3-0 defeat to Vietnam’s U17 national team in the ASEAN U17 Boys’ Championship 2026 final at Gelora Delta Stadium, Sidoarjo.
Vietnam started aggressively, forcing Malaysia goalkeeper Adam Nurfakrullah Mohd Fadli into a series of early saves.
The breakthrough came in the 11th minute when Dao Quy Vuong found the net, giving Vietnam a deserved lead.
Malaysia responded with intent, and nearly equalized through Nur Azam Muslim Nor Hisham, but his effort narrowly missed the target.
Vietnam capitalized on that let-off, doubling their advantage just before halftime through Nguyen Van Duong to take a 2-0 lead into the break.
Malaysia returned from halftime with renewed determination, attempting to regain control and reduce the deficit.
However, Vietnam remained clinical. Van Duong struck again in the 55th minute, sealing the result with his second goal of the match and effectively ending Malaysia’s comeback hopes.
The final whistle confirmed Vietnam’s 3-0 victory, securing their first ASEAN U-17 title since 2017 and marking a dominant campaign from the young Golden Stars.
While the result ended in disappointment, Malaysia can take pride in their journey—matching their 2019 achievement by reaching the final and showcasing a promising generation of talent for the future.
Despite a spirited run to the final under head coach Shukor Adan, the young Harimau Malaya were unable to replicate their 2019 triumph—when they last lifted the title under P. Maniam.
Credit Photo : FAM
