HANOI: The Malayan Tigers failed to roar in their match against Vietnam and suffered a 0-3 defeat at the hands of the home team in a controversial AFF Cup Group B match as both teams were reduced to 10 men at the My Dinh National Stadium here tonight.
Japanese referee Ryuji Sato gave the marching orders to Vietnam striker Nguyen Van Toan in the first half and to Malaysian defender Muhammad Azam Azmi Murad in the second half.
The match kicked off in windy and chilly conditions, with the Malaysians finding it difficult to secure their footing early on because of a damp and slippery pitch. However, they were able to adapt to the conditions as the match progressed.
But it was Vietnam’s “Golden Star Warriors”, coached by Park Hang Seo, who were causing all sorts of problems for the visitors, with their first goal coming off a corner in the 29th minute.
Nguyen Tien Linh’s downward header bounced into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan stranded.
Minutes after taking the lead, Vietnam were reduced to 10 men when Van Toan, who had been booked earlier, was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Dominic Tan.
Five minutes later, Malaysia had an opportunity to equalise but R Ruventhiran’s hurried shot from inside the box went wide, and another attempt by Muhammad Mukhairi from close range was tipped over by goalkeeper Dang Van Lam.
The second half was embroiled in controversy when the referee sent off defender Muhammad Azam for a foul on Doan Van Hau off the pitch.
Vietnam were awarded a penalty for another infringement in the 64th minute, which was tucked away by Que Ngoc Hai.
South Korean coach Kim Pan Gon brought in young striker Nur Shamie Iszuan Amin and Sergio Aguero to beef up the Malaysian attack but both failed to make an impact.
Vietnam took a 3-0 lead in the 83rd minute through Nguyen Hoang Duc to maintain their unbeaten record against Malaysia since 2014.
The win gave Vietnam six points and moved them to the top of Group B. Malaysia are second also with six points but have played three matches. They must beat Singapore at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Jan 3 to have any chance of making the semifinals.
