FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 loss ends Vietnam's decade-long unbeaten run against Malaysia

Vietnam started on the front foot, keeping possession and pushing forward in search of an early goal. 

In the fourth minute, Hai Long fired a left-footed shot from outside the box, but his effort missed the target.

Hoang Duc's return helped Vietnam move the ball smoothly in midfield, while Ngo Dang Khoa was energetic in his first start for the national team. 

However, after their early spell of pressure, the Vietnamese players slowed the pace and waited for opportunities to break through Malaysia's defense.

After the cooling break, head coach Kim Sang Sik switched the positions of Hai Long and Dang Khoa on the two flanks, but Vietnam still struggled to create clear-cut chances.

In the 35th minute, Hoang Duc made a careless pass that gave Bergson a chance to fire a long-range shot, forcing goalkeeper Le Giang Patrik to make a save.

In the 41st minute, Hai Long was fouled by Quentin Cheng near the edge of the penalty area, but the Hanoi FC player's ensuing free kick was not enough to beat the opposing goalkeeper.

The two teams went into half-time with the score tied 0-0.

Vietnam increased the pressure after the restart. 

In the 50th minute, Hoang Duc played the ball forward for Hai Long to break through. Hai Long combined with Tien Anh before crossing for Minh Hoang, whose header failed to cause danger.

Six minutes later, Minh Hoang fired a left-footed shot from outside the box, but the ball went wide of the post.

In the 60th minute, Kim brought Dinh Bac on for Minh Hoang. However, Malaysia took the lead just two minutes later.

Fergus Tierney received the ball near the edge of the penalty area, turned and fired a shot through the legs of Viet Anh to beat Le Giang Patrik and put Malaysia 1-0 ahead.

Kim then sent Van Do onto the field, and Vietnam appeared to have a chance to equalize in the 73rd minute when the referee awarded them a penalty. 

However, after consulting VAR, the referee determined that Harith Haiqal's challenge had been legitimate and overturned the penalty decision.

Minh Khoa, Xuan Manh, and Tuan Tai were then brought on as Vietnam continued to press in the closing stages.

Despite their late pressure, Vietnam could not find an equalizer and lost 0-1, putting an end to their more-than-a-decade win streak against Malaysia.

Vietnam thus finished the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 in fourth place in Group 1.