Malaysian star: 'Vietnam plays at 100%, we must play at 200%'

Malaysian winger Pavithran Gunalan is aware that his team must perform at "200%" to stand any chance of upsetting the defending champions Vietnam in the first leg of the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 semi-final.

Pavithran, 21, is under no illusions that Vietnam will enter the contest as the favorites to secure a third consecutive final appearance. However, he insists the hosts will give their all in front of what is expected to be a packed Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium, before the return leg in Hanoi on August 19.

"To play against Vietnam, we have to give our utmost and go all out. If we don't perform at 100% or show any complacency, we simply have no chance of winning. They have a very strong squad. If they play at 100%, we have to play at 200% to win this match," said Pavithran.

Pavithran has emerged as one of the stars of the 16th edition, a tournament regarded as the jewel of ASEAN football, winning the Hyundai Best Player of the Match award twice for his outstanding performances. Last week, he scored the only goal with a header in the final Group B match against the Philippines, helping Malaysia return to the knockout stage after missing out in 2024.

"I'm very happy to have won those awards, especially with my family and fans there cheering us on. Winning in front of them is a great feeling. But looking back, it wouldn't have been possible without my teammates and the coach. They are the ones who motivate me," he said.

"The most important thing is team spirit. When the coach gives instructions, we execute them 100%. There is no complacency and no messing around. It is that discipline that helps our team go further in this tournament."

Pavithran's first goal for the Malaysian national team was also the first header of his young career.

"Actually, it's quite a funny story. In all my years of playing football, I've never scored with my head. I've tried before, but the ball never went in. This is the first time I've scored a header. To be honest, I'm not really the type of player who likes heading, but this time it worked," he said.

Pavithran's journey to prominence began in the town of Taiping in northern Malaysia, where he often played football with his father and brothers at home. When his parents noticed his love for the sport, they encouraged him to join the national football development program locally from ages 10 to 12.

The big turning point came when Pavithran was accepted into the Johor Darul Ta'zim FC academy at age 13 after impressing in trials. That forced him to leave his family at a very young age to pursue the dream he is now gradually turning into reality in the black-and-yellow jersey.

"When I was growing up, my family was not well-off and we went through a lot of hardships. My father was a truck driver, and my mother was a housewife taking care of five children. When my father was at work, my mother would often pick me up from school on her motorcycle and take me straight to the training ground. Rain or shine, she was always there to take me. I am truly grateful to my parents," said Pavithran. He was a substitute at the 2024 tournament but has started all four of Malaysia's matches this year.

"My family – my mother, father, brothers, and aunts – they have always supported me. I also want to thank all the coaches who have guided me along the way. I feel proud to wear the Harimau Malaya jersey. I hope my family is proud of what I have achieved."

"Before joining JDT, I wasn't a passionate football fan. I liked football but didn't watch it regularly. However, after moving to Johor and watching JDT play at home, I started to admire Safawi Rasid. We are both left-footed and play as wingers. I really like his playing style and finishing ability. He is definitely my inspiration."

Malaysia faces a huge challenge against Vietnam, who have won five of the last six meetings between the two sides in the traditional tournament celebrating its 30th anniversary this year; the other match ended in a draw. Vietnam also defeated Malaysia 3-2 on aggregate in the 2018 final.

Pavithran understands that his team cannot afford to be afraid of the Golden Star Warriors, who scored 13 goals in the group stage, the most of any team. With encouragement from interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe, the fast left-footed attacker hopes to cause plenty of problems for the visitors this weekend.

"The word he [Tan] uses most is 'confidence'. He always tells me: 'If you are confident when you have the ball, you will find your game.' When I am confident, I can dribble and play to my true ability. I don't care about others; I just focus on my strengths and that helps my game flow more smoothly," said Pavithran.