Vietnam defeat Malaysia to lift AFF Suzuki Cup

HANOI, Dec 15, 2018, Malaysiakini. Malaysia’s hopes of ending the eight-year drought to lift the AFF Suzuki Cup continue unfulfilled after losing 0-1 to Vietnam in the second final match at the My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi tonight, reported the Malaysiakini.

The outcome saw Vietnam emerging as champions for the second time since 2008 with a 3-2 aggregate win, which snuffed out Malaysia’s dream of bagging their second title after the 2010 edition.

Both teams drew 2-2 in the first final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Dec 11.

In tonight’s action, Harimau Malaya clearly gave the Golden Dragons a tough fight before their 40,000 fans.

However, luck favoured Vietnam, who opened the score in the sixth minute through a forceful strike by Nguyen Anh Duc in the penalty box, which national goalkeeper, Farizal Marlias failed to push away.

Four minutes later, Malaysia almost equalised, but a backheel by Mohamadou Sumareh went wide at Vietnam’s goalmouth.

Later, Muhammad Syahmi Safari was also presented with a chance but his attempt was parried by Vietnamese goalkeeper Dang Van Lam and the score remained 1-0 until the end of first half.

As soon as the second half resumed, Malaysia wasted no time to hunt for the equaliser and in the 53rd minute, Muhammad Safawi Rasid’s free kick was fended off by Van Lam again.

Desperate for the equaliser, Harimau Malaya coach Tan Cheng Hoe made three changes in the second half to strengthen the frontline, but Van Lam covered his ground well and the score remained 1-0 for Vietnam when Iranian referee Alireza Faghani blew the final whistle.

Earlier, Shahrul Mohd Saad had been sent off after being given a red card by Faghani when he collected his second yellow during the second half injury time.

Bernama