PETALING JAYA: It will be double the Samba boost for Vietnam when they take on Malaysia in their last Group F clash of the 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier at the Nam Dinh Stadium on March 31.
The Golden Dragons not only boast the return of prolific hitman Rafaelson Bezerra, now known as Nguyen Xuan Son. They could also parade another naturalised Brazilian, Hendrio Araujo, who is expected to play a key role either on the flanks or in an attacking midfield position.
The 31-year-old Araujo, who has the Vietnamese name of Do Hoang Hen, plays for Hanoi in the Vietnamese League and has been based in the country since 2021. He was officially granted citizenship in October last year.
Araujo has impressed this season, scoring six goals in 10 league matches, a timely boost for Vietnam as they look to settle the score with Malaysia.
Araujo is relishing the opportunity to represent his adopted nation.
“This a dream come true and a chance to show my gratitude for the love and support of the Vietnamese people throughout the years,” he said.
“To wear the Vietnamese national team shirt is a great honour. I’m very happy, motivated and ready to give my all.”
Besides Araujo and Bezerra, Vietnam coach Kim Sang-sik has also called up several mixed-heritage players, including goalkeepers Filip Nguyen and Dang Van Lam, as well as wingback Jason Pendant, who is known in Vietnam as Cao Pendant Quang Vinh.
Also returning to the squad are Doan Van Hau, who last featured in June 2023 against Syria, and Tran Dinh Trong, who has been absent since September 2022 when Vietnam faced Singapore.
Both players are set to make their first appearances under Kim Sang-sik.
Vietnam were beaten 0-4 by Malaysia in their first group clash in Kuala Lumpur last year.
However, the result was later overturned and Vietnam were awarded a 3-0 win after Malaysia had deemed to have fielded ineligible players.
With that, Vietnam have already secured top spot in the group, amassing 15 points from five matches to confirm their spot in the Asian Cup.
Before the match against Malaysia, they will face Bangladesh in an international friendly at the Hang Day Stadium in Hanoi today.
