Hard to accept defeat against Vietnam: Malaysia coach

“I’m proud of Malaysia players, they fought until the end. Malaysia’s strategy was effective for nearly 120 minutes. The players also gave all they got. It’s hard to accept defeat this way, but we have to look at the fact that Vietnam are the strongest team in this tournament,” Maloney said after the game in Phu Tho’s Viet Tri Stadium.

Despite facing many disadvantages before the game, Malaysia played a solid one and dragged Vietnam into the extra time. In the 111th minute, they conceded a goal from Nguyen Tien Linh’s header. The remaining time was not enough for them to seek an equalizer and they lost 0-1.

“Malaysia conceded from a mistake of the goalkeeper. Can’t blame him because he just returned from injury. We also didn’t have the best lineup for this game. I appreciate Vietnam’s strategy but am also satisfied with the performance of Malaysia,” he said.

Although failing to make it to the final, Malaysia had a successful tournament when they were unbeaten in the group stage. Maloney said this is a great preparation for the U23 Asian Cup that will take place in June.

On Sunday, Malaysia will face Indonesia in the bronze medal playoff in My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi.

 

 

Hard to accept defeat against Vietnam: Malaysia coach

Việt Nam 1-0 Malaysia