KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian football team's journey in the Hyundai AFF Cup has ended after they suffered a 2-0 loss to Vietnam in their second-leg semi-final in Hanoi on Wednesday (Aug 19).
Interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe's men exited the tournament 0-4 on aggregate.
Vietnam were the more dominant side at the MyDinh Stadium as they created two chances in the first 15 minutes but wingback Doan Van Hau fluffed his attempts.
The Harimau Malaya had to depend on their defensive solidity to frustrate the hosts, coached by South Korean Kim Sang-sik.
Malaysia also suffered a misfortune in the 25th minute when key midfielder Sergio Aguero had to be stretchered off due to an injury, and he was replaced by Syafiq Ahmad.
They failed to gain control of the game after that, as Vietnam took charge and looked the more dangerous side.
The Golden Star Warriors should have taken the lead at the start of the second half, when Van Hau’s header off a corner was superbly saved by Malaysia goalkeeper Azri Ghani.
Malaysia finally created their first chance in the 53rd minute when two attempts from winger G. Pavithran and Syafiq within seconds were stopped by Vietnam custodian Patrick Le Giang.
Vietnam's attacking industry was rewarded in the 62nd minute when striker Rafaelson Bezerra, now known as Nguyen Xuan Son, capitalised on a rebound to thump the ball past Azri.
And the lethal Brazilian-born hitman added his second in the 89th minute with a superb solo effort.
Vietnam will play Thailand in the two-legged final.
