PETALING JAYA: Vietnam coach Kim Sang-sik has kept his message simple - deliver a victory for the people.
The South-East Asian side are aiming to cap their AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying campaign with a perfect record and at least a 2-0 win over Malaysia at the Nam Dinh Stadium today.
Vietnam have already secured qualification after collecting 15 points from five matches, sitting six points clear of second-placed Malaysia.
The Golden Dragons were previously locked in a tight race, with Malaysia on 15 points and Vietnam on 12, but the standings shifted following disciplinary action by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Two weeks ago, the AFC ruled that Malaysia had fielded ineligible players using forged documentation in earlier wins over Nepal (2-0) and Vietnam (4-0).
Both results were overturned and recorded as 3-0 defeats, dropping Malaysia to second place with nine points and ending their hopes of qualification.
Sang-sik acknowledged the controversy but insisted his focus remains on his team’s performance.
“The 0-4 defeat last year was upsetting, but it has since been changed to a 3-0 win for us. FIFA and the AFC have made their decision, and we respect it. The issue serves as motivation for us,” he said.
“Our players are entering this match knowing we have qualified, but we still want to deliver a positive result for the Vietnamese people.”
“The aim today is simple - victory. We are prepared for the battle after a friendly match and a solid training camp. I’m hoping nothing less than a 2-0 win against Malaysia.”
He noted that both teams would be missing key players for the return fixture but stressed the importance of adaptability.
“Malaysia will be without the seven players (The ones suspended by FIFA - Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, Hector Hevel, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Gabriel Palmero and Imanol Machuca) while we are also missing some key players due to injuries for the upcoming game.
“But this is football - you adapt,” he added.
Sang-sik also expects a fired-up Malaysian side seeking redemption.
“Malaysia’s fans want retribution for what has happened, but we want to win this game for our supporters. Our goal is to complete the qualifying campaign with a clean record.”
Having secured their place in the continental tournament, Sang-sik expressed pride in his team’s achievement while crediting the players for their efforts.
“It is an honour for the nation to qualify for such a high-level tournament. I want to thank the people of Vietnam for their unwavering support,” he said.
“The result is down to the players, and they deserve full credit. With that, we approach this match with renewed motivation.”
