Vietnam national team coach Kim Sang-sik during a press conference ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifying clash against Malaysia on March 30, 2026. Photo by Read/Duc Dong |
“We aim for a 2-0 victory,” coach Kim said at a press conference on Monday. “The players are all fit and I believe they will perform well on the pitch.”
Vietnam originally suffered a 0-4 defeat to Malaysia in the first leg at Bukit Jalil Stadium in June 2025.
However, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) later awarded Vietnam a 3-0 victory. This decision came after it was determined that Malaysia had fielded seven foreign-born players who obtained naturalization through falsified documents.
Malaysia also forfeited a previous 2-0 win against Nepal for the same violation. These rulings propelled Vietnam to the top of the group, officially securing their spot in the 2027 Asian Cup.
Kim stated that while the confederation’s ruling was slightly delayed, it was ultimately the correct decision. However, he acknowledged that the initial 0-4 defeat remains hard to accept and that will serve as powerful motivation for the upcoming rematch.
The South Korean coach also noted that qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup has significantly boosted the squad’s spirit.
This early qualification allows the coaching staff to begin preparations for upcoming goals, including the 2026 ASEAN Cup and the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia next year.
The South Korean coach is fully aware of Malaysia’s desire to win as they attempt to restore their honor following the naturalization scandal.
However, Kim remains completely confident in his team’s current form.
“The team will give their all and not back down to deliver a great performance at home,” he added.
History is firmly on Vietnam’s side. The team have not lost a match to Malaysia since the semi-finals of the 2014 AFF Cup, now known as the ASEAN Cup. Over the past two decades, Vietnam have suffered only two defeats against their regional rivals, securing 13 wins and two draws.
Kim’s squad also boast a Southeast Asian record with a 12-match winning streak. Since the 1-2 friendly loss to Thailand in September 2024, Vietnam have gone unbeaten in 16 matches, claiming 14 victories.
Vietnam head into the match with a strengthened roster, welcoming back Brazilian-born striker Nguyen Xuan Son, defenders Tran Dinh Trong and Doan Van Hau from injury, alongside newcomer, Brazilian-born winger Hêndrio, or Do Hoang Hen.
Malaysia will miss the seven illegally naturalized players who are now banned.
Kim pointed out that Vietnam are also dealing with key absences, such as forward Nguyen Dinh Bac.
“However, regardless of the squad, we are aiming for victory with full confidence,” he said.
The clash between Vietnam and Malaysia will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday (Hanoi time). It will be reported live on Read International.
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