Malaysia head coach Tan Cheng Hoe insists the Harimau Malaya still believe they can overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Vietnam and reach the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 final.
Malaysia travel into the decisive second leg as clear underdogs after Vietnam secured a two-goal advantage in the opening encounter.
But despite the mountain in front of his young squad, Tan refuses to surrender.
“We still have 90 minutes to go. We still have the belief and the confidence to challenge the result.”
Vietnam will have home advantage, a two-goal cushion and the support of a potentially packed stadium.
Tan knows the numbers favour the defending champions.
But he also knows football can change in a matter of minutes.
“We know Vietnam have the advantage with a 2-0 cushion, but in football everything can happen.”
Vietnam have enjoyed an extraordinary unbeaten run and have established themselves as one of Southeast Asia’s strongest national teams.
Tan openly respects Kim Sang-sik’s side but insists Malaysia cannot allow Vietnam’s reputation to determine their mentality.
“We respect the Vietnamese national team, but we will try our best always on the pitch.”
The Malaysian coach has also called on his players to block out the noise surrounding the team, particularly negative discussions on social media.
“I don’t want my players to be distracted by social media or the negative talk on the team.”
Instead, Tan wants his young players to see the return leg as an opportunity to gain valuable international experience.
“These young players will gain exposure and experience playing against a better side, a better team from Vietnam.”
The key, according to Tan, is composure.
“We have to be very calm and don’t panic under any situation. Absorb the pressure and enjoy every moment.”
One of the strongest sources of motivation comes from Malaysia’s own history against Vietnam.
Tan highlighted the famous 2014 comeback, when Malaysia overturned a 2-1 first-leg deficit by defeating Vietnam 4-2 away from home.
That historic result has become a reminder inside the Malaysian camp that two goals can be overturned.
“The result really gives us confidence. We know playing against Vietnam always gives us a tough time, but we are still proud of our players.”
Tan believes Malaysia can take inspiration from that historic night without becoming trapped by the past.
“Sometimes, if you are at the right moment and the right timing, you can beat any team.”
The first leg gave Tan some encouragement. Although Vietnam won 2-0, Malaysia created opportunities and, at times, forced the defending champions to defend rather than attack.
That gives Tan confidence ahead of the second leg.
“We really gave Vietnam a challenge. They had to defend rather than attack.”
The next step is converting those opportunities.
“If our players really focus on every moment when we attack, we probably can score a goal.”
One Malaysian goal could completely change the psychology of the tie.
Two goals would force Vietnam to respond under serious pressure.
Tan knows the task is difficult, but believes the players must attack the opportunity rather than fear the deficit.
Young defender Aysar Hadi also believes Malaysia still have a chance.
The youngster has been thrust into a major role during the tournament and is now preparing for one of the biggest matches of his early international career.
His message mirrors Tan’s philosophy: Malaysia must stay united.
“If we can fight together, then we can win together.”
Aysar also believes the Malaysian players must remain focused on their own performance rather than becoming overwhelmed by Vietnam’s reputation.
“If we can focus, then in every situation, we will have a chance to win.”
They must overturn a two-goal deficit against the defending champions, in front of Vietnam’s home crowd, while attempting to end a long wait for victory over one of Southeast Asia’s strongest teams.
But Tan does not believe there is any secret formula.
“There is no secret in football. If you really have the confidence, if you really have the belief, then the players have to go together, fight together and win together.”
Credit Photo : FAM
