AFF Suzuki Cup: Vietnam too hot to handle for Malaysia with a convincing 3-0 win

Malaysia's Rizal Ghazali (in yellow) tries to evade the attention of several Vietnamese defenders during their game at the Bishan Stadium. - Photo by FAM

PETALING JAYA: Harimau Malaya just can't find a way to douse the fire of the Golden Dragons.

Malaysia suffered their first defeat in the AFF Suzuki Cup when they lost to Vietnam 3-0 in their Group B match at the Bishan Stadium on Sunday (Dec 12).

Malaysia’s winless run against them now stretches to six games.

The depleted Malaysian side could not stamp their mark in the first-half, as Park Hang-seo’s side were quick in their attacking transitions and were constantly tormenting Tan Cheng Hoe’s team with their superb pressing.

Vietnam got the first goal in the 32nd minute when playmaker Nguyen Quang Hai placed a beautiful shot past goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat.

The second was a real beauty as Nguyen Cong Phuong fooled three defenders with his close control and dribbling before unleashing a superb finish past Khairul in the 36th minute.

In the second-half, Cheng Hoe brought on strikers Guilherme De Paula, Shahrel Fikri Md Fauzi and R. Kogileswaran, but they could not find a way past Vietnam’s dogged defence.

Even the tournament’s current top scorer and Malaysia’s winger Safawi Rasid was nullified by Vietnam’s defence.

Nguyen Hoang Duc scored the third goal in the 89th minute to gift his side their second win in the tournament.

To qualify for the semi-final, Malaysia will have to beat Indonesia in their final group match at the Bishan Stadium on Dec 19.