Head coach Peter Cklamovski praised the determination and mentality of the Malaysia national football team after their 3-1 defeat to Vietnam in the final match of Group F, Round 3 of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualification.
Speaking after the match, Cklamovski acknowledged Vietnam’s clinical finishing but insisted his players deserved recognition for their performance and resilience throughout the difficult campaign.
Malaysia conceded early in the match from a well-delivered corner, which allowed Vietnam to take control of the scoreboard. Despite the setback, Cklamovski felt his players reacted well and created several opportunities to level the game.
“We conceded from a corner early in the first half – a great delivery and they took their opportunity,” Cklamovski explained.
“But I thought the response from our players was very good. We created some really strong moments in the first half. If we had scored from those chances and made it 1-1, it would have been a completely different game.”
The coach highlighted that Malaysia created four to five clear scoring opportunities, but were unable to convert them into goals.
“Those moments change football matches. Credit to Vietnam because they took their chances.”
Despite the defeat, Cklamovski was full of admiration for the spirit shown by his players, particularly given the difficult circumstances surrounding the national team in recent months.
“To come here away from home and play the way we did, creating those chances, I’m super proud of the players,” he said.
“The mentality, the spirit and the determination they’ve shown over the past six months is something special. It’s something that inspires me.”
Cklamovski also acknowledged the quality of Vietnam’s attacking players while praising Malaysia’s effort in front of a hostile crowd.
“Respect to Vietnam – they are a very good team. But our players worked hard, found moments to hurt them and kept fighting until the end.”
The Australian coach made it clear that the defeat does not signal the end of the journey for Malaysia.
“This is not the end for our national team – no chance,” he said firmly.
“The players showed their mentality from the first minute until the final whistle. Even late in the game we were still creating chances.”
According to Cklamovski, the squad deserves time to recover emotionally after a challenging qualification campaign.
“The players need some recovery and maybe a little healing process. The situation we faced in this campaign was very unique in football.”
Following the match, the Malaysian players will return to their clubs while the national team staff evaluate the next steps for the future.
Cklamovski also urged supporters to remain proud of the team’s commitment.
“I hope Malaysian supporters are proud of these players,” he said.
“They gave everything – for themselves, for their families, for the nation and for the next generation. They are an inspiration to Malaysia.”
Credit Photo : FAM
