Malaysia’s hopes of sealing an early spot in the SEA Games 2025 Men’s Football semi-finals were put on hold after a 0–2 loss to Vietnam in their Group B clash at Rajamangala National Stadium, Bangkok.
Vietnam struck early, taking the lead in the 12th minute when Nguyen Dinh Bac delivered a precise cross that found Nguyen Hieu Binh, who nodded the ball into the far corner to make it 1–0.
Things worsened for Harimau Muda just ten minutes later. A swift Vietnamese counterattack ended with Phan Minh Phuc firing a clean strike from the middle of the box, doubling Vietnam’s lead to 2–0 in the 22nd minute.
Malaysia pushed hard to respond throughout the remainder of the first half, creating several promising chances but failing to convert, heading into the break trailing by two goals.
In the second half, Malaysia continued to press for a comeback with wave after wave of attacks, but Vietnam’s disciplined defending denied every opportunity thrown at them.
Despite Harimau Muda’s efforts, no additional goals were scored, and the match ended 2–0 in favour of Vietnam.
The victory gives Vietnam a perfect record of six points, confirming their place in the semi-finals as Group B winners.
Malaysia, meanwhile, remain on three points from two matches and sit second in the group. To advance, they must now wait for the results of the other groups — specifically the runners-up of Groups B and C — to determine whether they qualify as the best second-placed team.
Credit Photo : FAM
