ASEAN Cup 2026: Malaysia Determined to Surprise Vietnam Despite Squad Crisis

According to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Kuala Lumpur, during the preparation days for the match, many Malaysian players acknowledged the strength of the Vietnamese team and warned their teammates to maintain high concentration. Winger Faisal Halim considered Vietnam a very strong opponent and called on Malaysia to set aside the opponent's ranking and reputation to focus fully on their on-field performance. According to Faisal Halim, if they play with the utmost cohesion and effort, Malaysia still has a chance to compete for a spot in the final.

Meanwhile, midfielder Afiq Fazail placed his trust in the youth and desire to prove themselves of the new players. Despite rating the Vietnamese team highly, Afiq still believes Malaysia can win 2-0. Striker Bergson da Silva also expects the home team to create a similar margin, even 3-0.

However, Malaysia is suffering significant personnel losses. Midfielders Endrick Dos Santos and Aliff Haiqal Lau are both unable to play due to injuries, while wingers Mohamadou Sumareh and Engku Nur Shakir are still uncertain about their availability. Midfielder Wan Kuzain also had to return to his club Sporting JAX in the United States after being recalled to play in the USL Championship.

Because the ASEAN Cup takes place outside the official FIFA match calendar, clubs have the right to recall players even while the tournament is ongoing. Malaysia also cannot register new players for the remainder of the competition, forcing interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe to rely on the current squad.

The midfield area is the most affected. In the 4-3-3 formation, coach Tan Cheng Hoe now has only four options for central midfield positions: Ziad El-Basheer, Sergio Aguero, Ibrahim Manusi, and Daryl Sham George. Some players like center-back Aysar Hadi Sapri and striker Paulo Josue could be deployed in deeper roles, but the Malaysian coach is cautious about excessive squad reshuffling.

Nevertheless, coach Tan Cheng Hoe affirmed that Malaysia will not use squad difficulties as an excuse. He believes that the backup players have been well-prepared mentally and physically, while emphasizing the requirements for tactics, defensive discipline, and concentration for any player selected.

Goalkeeper Azri Ghani, who has kept two clean sheets and conceded only three goals in four appearances, also placed his faith in Malaysia's defensive system. According to him, all the called-up players are capable, and the team's qualification for the semifinals demonstrates the collective effort, especially given that the tournament takes place during the mid-season break.

Ahead of the semifinal against Vietnam, Malaysian veterans such as goalkeeper Syihan Hazmi and midfielder Safawi Rasid called on the team to maintain fighting spirit and never give up. Malaysia is expected to make full use of home advantage to gain an edge in the first leg, before the two teams meet in the second leg at My Dinh Stadium on the evening of August 19.