Vietnam make six-year unbeaten record against Malaysia

Vietnam national football team on December 27 made the second straight win to top Group B in the AFF Cup 2022 after beating Malaysia by 3-0.

Centreback Que Ngoc Hai (number 3) scored a penalty in the match at My Dinh National Stadium, Hanoi on December 27. Photo: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times

Both Vietnam and Malaysia got the game underway in confidence. The early stage of the match saw a balance between the two teams.

Striker Nguyen Tien Linh scored the opening goal for Vietnam in the 28^th minute as his header bounced hard into the net from the corner kick taken by central midfielder Do Hung Dung.

As things went well for Vietnam, striker Nguyen Van Toan received the second yellow card in the 32^nd minute and had himself an early bath.

With the advantage in numbers, Malaysia took control of the game and had several clear-cut chances. But goalkeeper Dang Van Lam and his teammates played well to secure the first-half win.

Vietnam kept a cautious stance in the second half, but the players were ready to move forward whenever possible.

In the 64^th minute, Malaysian right wingback Azmi received a red card for violent behavior against Vietnam’s leftback Doan Van Hau.

Central defender Que Ngoc Hai easily scored a penalty to double the lead for Vietnam.

After the two teams were even in number, Vietnam regained control of the game and had several opportunities.

Attacking midfielder Nguyen Hoang Duc net the third goal for Vietnam in the 83^rd minute.

The latest win sends Vietnam on top of Group B with 6 points and a goal difference of +9 after two matches. Malaysia is second with 6 points with a goal difference of +3 after three matches.

Vietnam will visit Singapore for its third match in Group B on December 30.