KUALA LUMPUR: It was a night to forget for Malaysia after they were beaten 0-2 by Vietnam in the Hyundai AFF Cup first leg semi-finals at the Cheras Football Stadium here on Sunday (Aug 16).
As early as the 15th minute, Harimau Malaya were dealt a blow when centreback Rodney Celvin Akwensivie had to be taken off due to an injury, with his replacement being young centreback Aysar Hadi Sapri.
Malaysia’s best chance in the first-half came in the 34th minute when they missed two chances in the span of three seconds.
A low drilled cross from leftback Faris Danish Asrul was tapped in by captain and striker Paulo Josue, which was saved by Vietnam goalkeeper Patrick Le Giang.
That save was followed up by midfielder Daryl Sham George, who just needed to smash it into the empty net but skied his shot to the stands.
Before half-time, the visitors got the lead when Xuan Son was left unmarked and duly obliged by heading home a sumptuous cross from wingback Truong Tien Anh.
In the second-half, Malaysia made sure to have more possession to create chances, while Vietnam relied on counter-attacks to threaten the Malaysian defence.
In the 60th minute, Le Giang was sent off by referee Rustam Lutfullin after he was adjudged to have handled the ball outside his box.
But after a check with the video assistant referee (VAR), the Uzbekistan official overturned the decision after it was found that he didn't use his hands to clear the ball.
To bring some stability and creativity, interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe brought on winger Haqimi Azim Rosli and midfielder Ibrahim Manusi, who was making his international debut, for Mahamadou Sumareh and Syafiq Ahmad respectively.
But the changes did not bear any fruit as Vietnam’s defence were resolute. The second goal for Vietnam came in the 86th minute when Faris scored an own goal.
Malaysia have all to do in the second leg at the MyDinh Stadium in Hanoi as they look to bounce back and cause a major upset against the defending champions.
