Ninh Binh, 31 March 2026 – Nguyen Xuan Son scored a brace as Vietnam defeated Malaysia 3–1 in the final match of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification.
The victory ensured Vietnam completed the qualifiers with a perfect record of six wins from six matches, securing their place at the 2027 AFC Asian Cup next January. It also carried a sense of revenge following the 0–4 defeat in Kuala Lumpur on June 10, 2025, despite that match later being awarded as a 3–0 win to Vietnam due to Malaysia’s naturalization scandal.
More than seven months after that game, Xuan Son had posted a simple message—“March 31, 2026”—as a promise to settle the score. He delivered on that promise in style, netting two powerful headers in the rematch at Thien Truong Stadium.
His first goal came in the 51st minute, heading home from a left-wing cross by Do Hoang Hen to make it 2–0. Just eight minutes later, he struck again, rising high to meet a delivery from Truong Tien Anh and placing a header into the far corner beyond goalkeeper Syihan Hazmi.
These were Xuan Son’s first open-play goals for the national team since returning from injury, answering doubts about his fitness. His celebration—lifting his shirt and pointing to his abs—was a clear statement of confidence in his physical condition.
Vietnam’s attack was lively throughout. Nguyen Quang Hai was influential with his movement and long-range efforts, while Nguyen Hoang Duc hit the post in the first half. Truong Tien Anh stood out with two assists, including a corner that led to captain Do Duy Manh’s opening header in the sixth minute.
Do Hoang Hen impressed despite not scoring, contributing with intelligent link-up play and an assist on his first start. Defensively, deploying Doan Van Hau as a left center-back proved effective, with Cao Pendant Quang Vinh providing strong support on the flank, while Bui Hoang Viet Anh delivered a solid performance.
Malaysia still showed resilience, creating early chances through Faisal Halim and Safawi Rasid. They pulled one back in the 77th minute when Endrick converted a penalty after a foul by Van Hau, but it was not enough.
The result extended Malaysia’s winless run against Vietnam since the 2014 AFF Cup semi-final second leg. Over the past two decades, they have won only twice against Vietnam, losing 14 and drawing two.
Vietnam, meanwhile, set a Southeast Asian record with 13 consecutive wins and extended their unbeaten streak to 17 matches (15 wins, 2 draws) since September 2024 under coach Kim Sang-sik.
Kim Tuyen
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