Hasan’s game plan works wonders as Malaysia shock Vietnam

That’s mine: Malaysia’s Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili (second from right) vying for the ball with Vietnam’s Nguyen Duc Viet at the Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium in Bekasi, Indonesia. — FAM’s Facebook

PETALING JAYA: Was it luck or a tactical masterclass? Either way you look at it, Malaysia have earned the cheers with a stunner at the AFF Under-19 Championship.

The Harimau Muda, coached by Hasan Sazali Waras, shocked favourites Vietnam 3-0 in their semi-final match at the Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium in Bekasi, Indonesia, yesterday.

It was an exceptional win as many observers were far from impressed with the youngsters during the group stage.

The winning margin is also rather flattering, as Vietnam had the lion’s share of the possession.

But Malaysia’s backline, helmed by Faiz Amer Runnizar, was always dogged and when it was breached, goalkeeper Syahmi Adib Haikal Mohd Shukri came to the rescue with some superb saves.

The boys, however, were excellent on the counter attack with neat finishing to boot.

Adam Farhan Mohd Faizal drew first blood in the 26th minute when he finished off a brilliant move from winger Mohd Najmudin Akmal Kamal Akmal, who beat two Vietnamese players before delivering a neat pass.

In the second half, Vietnam started with gusto for the first 25 minutes and created numerous chances, with two efforts hitting the post.

But in the 71st minute, a wild clearance fell kindly to Haqimi Azim Rosli on the right flank, and the winger made a surging run before crossing to Haiqal Haqeemi Hairi, who tapped home past goalkeeper Cao Van Binh.

In the 86th minute, another counter attack saw 17-year-old substitute Haykal Danish Mohd Haizon making a superb run all the way from defence before side-stepping Van Binh to score.

Hasan said he was delighted the boys executed his plan to perfection.

“This win is a gift to all Malaysians. The discipline shown by the boys was excellent. To me, this was our best game in the tournament. The best!” enthused Hasan.

“We knew we could not play an open game against Vietnam as they have technically gifted players who will punish us if given space.

“We had to be compact at the back and effective in counter-attacks. We scored three and kept a clean sheet – what more can I ask for?’’

Malaysia will face Thailand or Group B winners Laos in the final at the same venue tomorrow.

In the last edition in 2019, Malaysia, led by Brad Maloney, were runners-up when they were beaten 0-1 by Australia.

Malaysia last won the tournament in 2018 under Croatian coach Bojan Hodak, when they beat Myanmar 4-3.