Hanoi, 18 August 2026 – Vietnam head coach Kim Sang-sik has openly identified areas his team must improve ahead of the ASEAN Cup 2026 semifinal second leg against Malaysia, despite holding a commanding 2-0 advantage from the opening encounter.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Kim acknowledged that Vietnam’s victory in Kuala Lumpur did not mean his side produced a flawless performance. The South Korean coach believes several tactical issues need to be addressed before the decisive return leg at My Dinh National Stadium.
Vietnam’s coaching staff will use video analysis and their final training sessions to correct those weaknesses.
“Today, we will analyze the match footage and then go out for training to improve the areas where we fell short in the previous game.”
Malaysia’s Wing Threat a Major Concern
One of Kim’s biggest concerns from the first leg was Vietnam’s difficulty containing Malaysia’s dangerous wide players.
The Harimau Malaya repeatedly threatened down both flanks, with Sumareh and Pavithran causing problems for Vietnam’s defensive structure despite the visitors eventually securing a clean sheet and a 2-0 victory.
Kim confirmed that his coaching staff are working on specific solutions to reduce that threat in the return leg.
“In the first leg, we had difficulties dealing with Malaysia’s two wide attackers, Sumareh and Pavithran. We will need to prepare solutions to neutralize Malaysia’s attacking threat on both wings.”
The comments underline Kim’s cautious approach despite Vietnam being in a strong position to reach the final. With Malaysia needing at least two goals to level the aggregate score, the visitors are expected to attack aggressively from the opening stages at My Dinh.
Kim Wants Goals at My Dinh
Kim also responded to suggestions that Vietnam have performed more effectively away from home during the tournament.
Statistics show that the Golden Star Warriors have scored only three goals at home compared with 12 on the road, prompting questions over whether the team has been more comfortable playing away.
However, Kim rejected the idea that Vietnam’s performances are determined by venue, insisting his players approach every match with the same objective.
“There have been many comments suggesting that Vietnam play better away from home than at home. However, whenever we step onto the pitch, our objective is always to perform well and win. Tomorrow, we will try to produce an entertaining match and score plenty of goals at home to repay the support of our fans.”
Vietnam will therefore look to do more than simply protect their two-goal advantage. Kim wants his team to deliver a convincing performance in front of the home crowd while correcting the weaknesses exposed in Kuala Lumpur.
The ASEAN Cup 2026 semifinal second leg between Vietnam and Malaysia will kick off at 20:00 on August 19 at My Dinh National Stadium, with Kim Sang-sik’s side holding a 2-0 aggregate advantage and standing just one match away from the final.
VSN/RPT
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