Vietnam tame Harimau Malaya in Asean Cup semi-final

KUALA LUMPUR: Vietnam secured a semi-final spot at the Asean Cup after a 2-0 win over Malaysia in their opening leg match at KLFA Stadium on Saturday. The match started with Vietnam's Daryl Sham and George making their debuts, while Hadi Shapri replaced Rodney Celvin in the 16th minute following an injury. Malaysia claimed a potential penalty in the 29th minute, following a challenge from Hoang Viet Anh Bui on G. Pavithran.

Uzbek referee Lutfullin Rustam allowed play to continue, despite Anh Bui reaching the ball earlier than other players, and goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang retrieved the ball. This decision led to chants of "VAR, VAR" from the 8,000-strong crowd. Vietnam scored first in the fifth minute of stoppage time in the first half when Nguyen Xuan Son headed in Tien Anh Truong's cross.

Malaysia had a chance to change the game's dynamics in the 61st minute when Mohamadou Sumareh was fouled by Le Giang, resulting in a red card for Sumareh, which was later overturned by VAR. The home crowd protested further after the decision. Vietnam managed to add a second goal in the 86th minute when Nguyen Quang Hai struck Azri Ghani's goal after a touch from Faris Danish Asrul.

Malaysia now faces a two-goal deficit and must overturn it in the return leg at My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi on Wednesday.