Vietnam's national team hold their first training session in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, August 14, 2026. Photo: Nam Le
Thailand kicked off the ASEAN Cup 2026 semifinals on Saturday evening with a convincing 3-1 away win over Singapore.
Attention now turns to the second semifinal later on Sunday, where defending champions Vietnam face a defiant Malaysia at Kuala Lumpur Stadium.
Tan Cheng Hoe's 'tactical complaint'
Malaysia head coach Tan Cheng Hoe has spent the pre-game build-up painting his side as the clear underdogs.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Saturday, Tan was vocal about his squad's "patchy" condition, noting that several pillars were recalled by their clubs since the ASEAN Cup is not a FIFA-sanctioned event.
"Vietnam are a strong and experienced team," Tan told reporters. "We don't have our strongest force... but this is not an excuse. We must focus and be confident in our own abilities."
Malaysia's head coach Tan Cheng Hoe (left) and defender Ubaidullah Shamsul at the pre-match press conference ahead of the clash with Vietnam. Photo: Anh Khoa
Despite the 'gloomy' atmosphere at Malaysia's final training session where only 17 fit players were available, Tan remains optimistic, citing Cape Verde's 0-0 draw with Spain in the 2026 World Cup as his tactical inspiration.
Vietnam's confidence and resolve
In contrast to Malaysia's struggles, Kim Sang Sik boasts a full 25-man squad at 100 percent fitness.
The primary focus remains on captain Nguyen Quang Hai, who has faced domestic criticism for a quiet group stage.
However, VFF vice-president Tran Anh Tu dismissed the noise: "We always trust Quang Hai. One bad game is no basis to say a player has declined; you must look at the long journey."
Adding to Malaysia's nightmares is Vietnam's newly naturalized striker, Nguyen Xuan Son.
The Brazilian-born forward, who previously scored a brace against Malaysia in the Asian Cup qualifiers, is hungry for more.
"I don't need to prove anything," Son told reporters. "I just want to do my job well and help Vietnam win against Malaysia, it's always special."
Xuan Son and head coach Kim Sang Sik express confidence at the pre-match press conference for the first leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 semifinal. Photo: Anh Khoa
On the opposite side, with Malaysia's midfield stretched thin, 24-year-old Ibrahim Manusi could be handed his first action of the tournament.
Despite having not played a single minute so far, the JDT II player remains ready to step up if called upon.
"We know Vietnam are a good team with the quality of players they have, but we don't want to disappoint our supporters who will be coming to the stadium," Ibrahim told The Star, adding that the squad's mix of youth and experience is determined to go far.
Determination and redemption
For veteran defender Doan Van Hau, this match is about personal redemption after two years of injury hell.
"Whether we win or lose, I hope our supporters will always stand behind us," Hau stated, reflecting on his journey back to the national team.
"The important thing is that we give everything for the national team and jersey."
Quang Hai during a training session with the Vietnam national team in Malaysia. Photo: Anh Khoa
With Vietnam's lethal attack - 13 goals in the group stage - facing a Malaysia side likely to 'park the bus' for a draw, the first leg promises to be a tactical chess match of the highest order.
Kick-off is set for 8:00 pm (Vietnam Time). Stay tuned.
The battlefield itself has become a talking point. Vietnam have expressed concerns over the 'cow grass' surface at the Kuala Lumpur Stadium, which is harder and slower than the usual turf.
Xuan Son was blunt about the conditions: "To be honest, I don't like this grass. It feels like a hard surface... but we will play and there will be no problem."
Vietnam's preparation was further tested by a 5:00 pm training slot under the blistering 35-degree Celsius heat, a move by the organizers that sat far from the 9:00 pm local kick-off time.
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