Vietnam team holds advantage over Malaysia

Malaysia is heading into the 2026 ASEAN Cup semifinal first leg burdened by many setbacks, largely self-inflicted. Before welcoming the Vietnam team at Kuala Lumpur Stadium on the evening of August 16, the hosts are not only at a disadvantage in terms of personnel but also short on essential readiness.

Theoretically, the Vietnam team holds a significant advantage. Coach Kim Sang Sik and his players boast a stronger squad, more consistent form, high morale, and especially the backing of head-to-head history. On the other hand,Malaysiais virtually entering the semifinal with a makeshift lineup.

Coach Tan Cheng Hoe's biggest challenge lies in the fact that the 2026 ASEAN Cup is not held during FIFA Days. Clubs are therefore not obligated to release players, preventing Malaysia from fielding its strongest squad. Compared to their encounter with Vietnam in March, the team under Coach Tan Cheng Hoe has significantly weakened.

The most regrettable case isEndrick Dos Santos, the Brazilian-born creative midfielder and one of Malaysia's most impactful players. An injury has sidelined Endrick, removing a crucial link in their midfield operation.

The situation becomes even more difficult asWan Kuzain, who wasthe best replacement option for Endrick, also had to return to the US at the request of his club, Sporting JAX. Kuzain was the one who crossed for Gunalan to score the only goal in the win over the Philippines, sending Malaysia to the 2026 ASEAN Cup semifinals.

The list of absentees is long, with names likeFaisal Halim, Corbin Ong, and Daviesnot being allowed by their clubs to join the national team. Meanwhile, defender Jimmy Raymond and striker Engku Nur Shakir are also facing fitness issues.

This reality is clearly reflected in their preparation. In their most recent training session, Malaysia had only16 playerstraining. Captain Paulo Josue and Mohamadou Sumareh only just began recovery training.

Coach Tan Cheng Hoe's team is also facing a stadium that may struggle to fill with spectators in Kuala Lumpur. Given recent events, Malaysian fans have been hurt by the state of football, and ticket sales have been low. For an important semifinal, this is far from ideal preparation.

Malaysiais making things difficult for themselves before the ball is even kicked. Meanwhile, the Vietnam team arrives in Kuala Lumpur with a completely different mindset. Coach Kim Sang Sik's squad has depth, the attacking players are in top form, and the team's morale is high after a successful group stage. The return of Nguyen Van Vi gives the coaching staff an additional personnel option.

History is also heavily favoring Vietnam. Malaysia has failed to beat Vietnam in recent encounters, and that gap adds further psychological pressure on the home side.

Of course, football is not a simple calculation. Playing at home, Malaysia can still cause trouble with their physical style of play and the support of thousands of Kuala Lumpur fans. But with their current losses, they would need a near-perfect performance to hope for an upset.

As for theVietnam team, with the opponent already weakened, the task for Kim Sang Sik's men is clear:not to miss the opportunity.

A victory in Kuala Lumpur will give the Vietnam team a huge advantage ahead of the return leg, while extending their dominance overMalaysia. More importantly, it will affirm that the defending champions are on the right track in their quest to retain the ASEAN Cup crown.