ASEAN Cup 2026: Vietnam Out To Extend 22-game Unbeaten Run Under Sang Sik

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 15 (Bernama) -- Vietnam are looking to extend their impressive 22-match unbeaten run under head coach Kim Sang Sik when the defending champions take on Malaysia in the first leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 semi-final at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras here, tomorrow.

While The Golden Star Warriors are determined the maintain the perfect run comprising 19 wins and three draws, Sang Sik said every member of the team must continue working hard rather than becoming overly focused on the record.

"We are currently on a good run of 22 matches unbeaten. I believe good memories and good history should be continued. To keep it going, the players and every member of the team must work even harder.

“While the record is good, rather than focusing solely on the numbers, I want to place more meaning on our players learning and growing match by match," he said during the pre-match press conference today.

However, the South Korean said that the semi-final would present a tougher challenge as compared to the group stage when they topped Group A with 10 points and said his players must raise their level to achieve their target.

Sang Sik said Vietnam have also studied Malaysia closely, including the individual qualities of their naturalised players, but believes his team must rely on collective strength.

Among naturalised players in Harimau Malaya squad are midfielder Paulo Josue and winger Mohamadou Sumareh.

Sang Sik also realised Malaysia's tactical strength while saying that Vietnam had identified areas they could exploit.

"Malaysia is a strong team with a good balance, utilising a 4-4-2 formation. However, we have identified and analysed their weaknesses, so we will prepare to create a good result in the match tomorrow," he said.

In the meantime, forward Nguyen Xuan Son said the team were well prepared for the crucial encounter and are determined to secure a victory for their supporters.

The 29-year-old also said that Vietnam's preparations would remain centred on their own team rather than individual Malaysian players.

“We don't think too much about Malaysia because if you prepare well, train well, and follow the coach’s plan, everything will be fine. We try to think more about Vietnam, the preparation, the food, the rest, and the recovery. That is most important," he said.

-- BERNAMA