Malaysia coach compares his team to Cape Verde phenomenon at 2026 World Cup

Interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe believes that Cape Verde's impressive journey at the 2026 World Cup serves as inspiration for Malaysia to aim for a surprise against Vietnam in the ASEAN Cup 2026 semifinals.

Coach Tan Cheng Hoe: "Cape Verde is Malaysia's inspiration"

Malaysia enters the first leg semifinal against Vietnam at Kuala Lumpur Stadium on Sunday as the underdog. However, Tan Cheng Hoe believes that football always holds surprises, and he cites Cape Verde as an example to encourage his players.

At the 2026 World Cup, Cape Verde made a splash in their debut at the biggest football festival by holding Spain to a 0-0 draw in their opening match in Group H. Spain was heavily favored, but the African representative played disciplined and prevented the opponent from finding the net.

"Just like when Cape Verde faced Spain. Spain was the higher-rated team but Cape Verde still managed to hold them to a 0-0 draw. That is motivation for us. In football, nothing is impossible," Tan Cheng Hoe shared in the pre-match press conference.

The Malaysia coach emphasized that if they make good use of timing and opportunities, his team can create a difference against the reigning ASEAN Cup champions. "You need to have the right timing and seize the moment. Then everything will go smoothly and you can score," he said.

Malaysia U23 captain Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili, who made his senior national team debut against Cape Verde, also believes that the African team's journey at the World Cup has reinforced Malaysia's confidence. "Witnessing them go far at the World Cup was a privilege. Nothing is impossible in football. Anything can happen, and just one mistake can change the situation," Ubaidullah remarked.

However, Malaysia is facing many squad difficulties. Tan Cheng Hoe only has 19 players to choose from for the two-legged semifinal due to injuries and club-related issues.

Malaysia will be without Endrick Dos Santos, Jimmy Raymond, Aliff Haiqal, Lokman Hakim Lau, Engku Shakir Engku Yacob, and Fazrul Amir Zaman due to injuries. Meanwhile, Wan Kuzain Wan Kamal has left the squad after being recalled by his club Sporting JAX.

These absences are particularly concerning in midfield, but Tan Cheng Hoe sees this as an opportunity for young players. Ibrahim Manusi is expected to play a bigger role with Endrick, Aliff Haiqal, and Wan Kuzain all absent.

In defense, Malaysia will have to find a way to contain the attacking duo of Nguyễn Xuân Son and Nguyễn Đình Bắc. Tan Cheng Hoe rated Vietnam as having speed, good coordination, and strong physical foundation, especially these two forwards.

"Xuân Son and Đình Bắc can cause us a lot of difficulties. I believe the defenders are ready for the challenge. We have nothing to lose and just need to play to the best of our ability," the Malaysia coach said.

Malaysia still received good news as Mohamadou Sumareh is eligible to play. The team is aiming for their first ASEAN Cup final appearance since 2018, while Vietnam is determined to defend their title and aim for a fourth regional championship.

For Tan Cheng Hoe, the story of Cape Verde is a reminder that theoretical gaps do not decide results on the pitch. Malaysia will need to turn that belief into actual performance if they want to cause an upset against Vietnam.