KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia has finally ended an 11-year winless run against Vietnam, achieving a remarkable 4-0 victory in the AFC Asian Cup Group F qualifier at Bukit Jalil National Stadium today.
Under the guidance of coach Peter Cklamovski, and with the support of newly signed heritage players Rodrigo Holgado, Facundo Garcés, João Figueiredo, and Jon Irazábal, the team displayed strong performance right from the start, showcasing effective teamwork and fast-paced plays that kept their opponents under pressure.
In the 10th minute, Arif Aiman Hanapi came close to scoring with a low shot from the left wing, but Vietnamese goalkeeper Nguyen Filip managed to deflect it.
Cklamovski’s 3-4-3 formation worked well for Dion Cools, allowing him more freedom to attack from the sides.
Cools nearly scored in the 35th minute with a powerful 25-yard shot that hit the left post, with the Vietnamese goalkeeper unable to respond in time.
As the first half progressed, Harimau Malaya maintained their intensity, registering five shots on target in the last 10 minutes. Figueiredo challenged Filip with a diving header and a follow-up shot in quick succession during the 43rd and 44th minutes, but the goalkeeper held firm. Arif Aiman also had a one-on-one chance in the 45th minute, which was saved, leaving the score at 0-0 at halftime.
The second half began with a stroke of luck for Malaysia as Figueiredo scored in the 47th minute, assisted by a backheel from Arif Aiman on the right.
Arif Aiman assisted again in the 59th minute, setting up Holgado to score on his debut, extending Malaysia’s lead to 2-0.
The 23-year-old winger from Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) completed a hat-trick of assists in the 67th minute, delivering a low cross for Corbin Ong to tap in Malaysia’s third goal.
Vietnam had their best opportunity in the 78th minute when Nguyen Tien Linh attempted a diving header, but Malaysian goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi made the save.
Cools capped off the scoring in the 87th minute with a header from a corner taken by Endrick Dos Santos, finalizing the score at 4-0.
This victory marks Malaysia’s first win over Vietnam since the 2014 AFF Cup, now known as the ASEAN Cup.
With this win, Malaysia currently leads Group F in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers with six points.
The match drew an attendance of 61,512 fans at Bukit Jalil National Stadium today. – June 10, 2025