Viet Nam drew Malaysia in the first-leg final of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup 2018, which took place at the Bukit Jalil national stadium in Kuala Lumpur on 11 December.

Vietnamese players cheer their first goal in the match (Photo: VNA)

Viet Nam led in the first half, but did not play as well as they started in the remaining part of the match.

At the 22^nd minute, Viet Nam scored the first goal after Nguyen Huy Hung got a tap in after a Malaysia player failed to clear the ball.

Just 2 minutes later, Pham Duc Huy kicked a stunning long shot to score the second goal for Viet Nam.

At the 35^th minute, Malaysia shortened the deficit with a header from Mohd Sadd.

Ha Duc Chinh had 3 chances to score at the 30^th, 43^rd and 44^th minute, but he did not succeed.

The first half ended at 2-1 for Viet Nam.

Into the second half, while Viet Nam missed many opportunities, Malaysia equalized the score from a free kick at the 59^th minute.

The match ended 2-2. Viet Nam will meet Malaysia again at the My Dinh National Stadium on 15 December.

Viet Nam entered the finals of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 after defeating the Philippines 2-1 in the return leg of the semifinal, which took place at Ha Noi’s My Dinh Stadium on 6 December. The squad also beat the Philippines 2-1 in the first leg held in Bacolod city of the Philippines 4 days earlier.

Malaysia become the first finalists after a 2-2 draw with the defending champion Thailand in the second leg of their semifinal in Bangkok on 5 December. Previously, they had a 0-0 draw with Thailand in the first leg held in Kuala Lumpur on 1 December.

In the tournament’s history, Viet Nam won the championship just once in 2008. Under the leadership of coach Park Hang-seo and the current squad, both Vietnamese and Korean football fans are hopeful that Viet Nam will take the trophy for the second time after 10 years’ waiting.

(Source: VNA)