Malaysia lost 0-2, but coach Tan Cheng Hoe still believes in a comeback.

Malaysia suffered a 0-2 defeat to the Vietnam national team in the first leg of the semi-final, but coach Tan Cheng Hoe remains optimistic. The manager asserted that his team "has not lost the entire war" and will look to create a surprise in the 90 minutes of the second leg at My Dinh.

Coach Tan Cheng Hoe acknowledged that the Vietnam national team showed their strength and created many difficulties for Malaysia in the first leg of the semi-final. However, he still praised the spirit and effort of his players.

"We knew that facing the Vietnam national team would be extremely challenging, and they displayed their best football. I think our players gave their all and showed confidence," coach Tan Cheng Hoe shared after the match.

According to the Malaysian coach, Vietnam's ability to transition and score were factors that the coaching staff had particularly noted before the match. Nevertheless, Malaysia still could not avoid moments of losing focus and paid the price.

"Of course, we entered the match fully aware that Vietnam's transition play is truly dangerous, as well as their scoring ability.

I think during the match, we created opportunities but need to be sharper in finishing. In the final minutes, a lack of focus—just small details—sometimes appeared in both the first and second halves," coach Tan Cheng Hoe assessed.

The manager particularly regretted the second goal conceded but believed it was a necessary lesson for the young players in the Malaysian squad.

"Unfortunately, the second goal happened. I know this situation will be a good experience for the young players. It is truly a valuable experience for him to play an important match in a difficult atmosphere, against a better team.

As a coach, I always encourage him that mistakes are part of the game. What matters is to keep playing with what you have and showcase your ability," Mr. Tan Cheng Hoe said.

According to coach Tan Cheng Hoe, Malaysia's defense had a decent performance. What he regretted more was that the home team failed to capitalize on opportunities that could have changed the outcome.

"Overall, the four defenders played well. At the same time, we also created chances where if just one or two had been taken well, the result might have been different," he commented.

Although Malaysia faces a major disadvantage after the 0-2 home defeat, coach Tan Cheng Hoe has no intention of giving up before the second leg.

"I think we still have 90 minutes ahead. We have not lost the entire war, we have only lost a battle.

Of course, we need to go to Vietnam, have three days to recover, analyze our weaknesses, and prepare well," coach Tan Cheng Hoe emphasized.

The Malaysian coach also anticipated the immense pressure awaiting his team at My Dinh, where the Vietnam national team enjoys home advantage along with the support of a large crowd.

"It is not easy to play in Hanoi, especially with the home fans' support and a stadium that could be full. With that kind of pressure and atmosphere, I want the players to go there and enjoy the match.

If we can show our best, perhaps we can score a goal and gain more confidence from there," coach Tan Cheng Hoe said.

He also noted that the Vietnam national team is particularly strong when playing at home, but he considers the second leg an opportunity for Malaysian players to test their mettle.

"We know Vietnam is very strong in home matches. I believe we need to go there and challenge ourselves while maintaining mental balance.

As I mentioned, small details are crucial, especially in the final stages of the match and in transition situations.

But I remain optimistic. Matches like this truly give players confidence and experience to perform better in the future," coach Tan Cheng Hoe affirmed.

Malaysia faces a very difficult task of overturning a two-goal deficit at My Dinh. However, coach Tan Cheng Hoe's message ahead of the second leg is clear: his team has not given up hope and still aims to turn the 90 minutes in Hanoi into a real challenge for the Vietnam national team.