AFF Cup: 10-man Malaysia fall to Vietnam 0-3 in Hanoi
MALAYSIA have it all to do in their final AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup Group B match against arch-rivals Singapore in a week's time, following their 0-3 defeat by title favourites Vietnam in Hanoi on Tuesday (27 December).
The Tigers are tied with Vietnam and Singapore with six points, but have played a game more than either of the two sides, who will face each other on Friday in Singapore before the Lions travel to Kuala Lumpur for the all-important clash at Bukit Jalil Stadium.
It was a very physical encounter in Hanoi, with both sides reduced to 10 men following 2 red cards. There were persistent fouls from both sides as they vie for top spot in the group, in order to likely avoid defending champions Thailand in the semi-finals.
Vietnam took the lead in the 28th minute when Nguyen Tien Linh rose high to head home a corner at the near post. However, the hosts were down to 10 men four minutes later, when forward Nguyen Van Toan received his marching orders for a second bookable offence following a wild tackle.
Malaysia could not make their numerical advantage count, and were also reduced to 10 men when defender Azam Azmi received a straight red card for violent conduct after he conceded a penalty in the 62nd minute. Midfielder Que Ngoc Hai made not mistake from the spot kick.
Nguyen Hoang Duc made it 3-0 with seven minutes left, as he charged forward to receive a superb through pass from Nguyen Quang Hai and flick the ball over the onrushing Syihan Hazmi.
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