Vietnam Stuns Malaysia 2-0 in ASEAN Cup Semi-Final First Leg

Vietnam took a massive step toward the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 final with a clinical 2-0 victory over Malaysia in the semi-final first leg at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium on Sunday.

Despite Malaysia controlling 53% of possession, the hosts struggled to breach Vietnam’s disciplined defensive block, registering only two shots on target. Vietnam, lethal on the counter-attack, broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time (45+5'). Forward Rafaelson timed his run perfectly to score a sensational diving header, which was upheld after a lengthy VAR review.

Malaysia pushed for an equalizer in the second half but lacked precision in the final third. Vietnam punished their impatience in the 86th minute. Substitute Nguyen Quang Hai unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the box, which took a wicked deflection off Malaysian defender Faris Danish. The deflection completely fooled the goalkeeper and rolled into the net, officially recorded as an own goal.

The 2-0 away victory gives Vietnam a commanding cushion heading into the decisive second leg, scheduled for Wednesday at the My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi. Malaysia now faces a monumental task to overturn the deficit on enemy territory.