VIETNAM BEAT MALAYSIA IN THANH NIEN CUP OPENER

“I am very pleased with what my players demonstrated. However, we have a lot more to do, especially improving the defence,” said Luu Quoc Tan, the head coach of the Vietnam.

The defending champions were the early aggressors and took the lead in the sixth minute off Duc Thien before Malaysia replied through Ahmad Fakri Saarani two minutes later.

Van Khai then restored the advantage for Vietnam in the 20th minute as Duc Thien then gave the homesters a two-goal cushion with his second goal of the afternoon five minutes later.

T. Kavichelvan then gave Malaysia a glimmer of hope on 29th minute with the second goal for the visitors.

But the concession of a penalty in the 63rd minute in the second half saw Van Khai slamming home from the spot for the well-deserved victory.

“We did not play as well as we should. I will have to make the necessary changes for our next encounter against Thailand,” said K. Rajagobal, the head coach for Malaysia.

Vietnam are in Group A of this year’s championship alongside Malaysia and Thailand while Group B are Myanmar, Singapore and Iran.