Malaysian coach gives frank comments about U22 Vietnam before decisive match

(Dan Tri) - Speaking to the press, Coach Nafuzi Zain admitted that U22 Vietnam is a very strong opponent and will create many challenges for U22 Malaysia.

On December 11, U22 Vietnam will enter the decisive battle with U22 Malaysia in Group B of SEA Games 33 football. Before this match, U22 Vietnam is at a disadvantage with the same 3 points as U22 Malaysia but with a lower goal difference.

U22 Malaysia only needs to draw with U22 Vietnam in the final match of Group B to qualify for the next round (Photo: Anh Khoa).

According to the organizing committee's regulations, the top three teams of the three groups and the best second-place team will qualify for the semi-finals.

Therefore, U22 Vietnam must win against U22 Malaysia to be able to take the top spot in the group. Meanwhile, the "Tigers" only need a draw to complete the task.

Before the match, coach Nafuzi Zain admitted that this would be an extremely difficult match for his players, while emphasizing that the team must play more tightly and aim to win all 3 points against U22 Vietnam.

The strategist born in 1978 said: “I watched U22 Vietnam compete at the SEA Games. They are also the champions of the U23 Southeast Asian tournament. Therefore, U22 Vietnam is definitely a very strong team and not easy to face.

From what I observed, they have a fast playing style, good technique and many mature players. Therefore, in this match, U22 Vietnam is still the team that is rated higher than U22 Malaysia.

Coach Nafuzi Zain highly appreciates U22 Vietnam (Photo: Anh Khoa).

We need to try our best to win and top Group B. The important thing is that we cannot afford to lose. I understand that U22 Malaysia will enter a much more difficult match than U22 Laos."

Before the match with U22 Vietnam, U22 Malaysia will welcome three more players: Ubaidullah Shamsul (Terengganu), Fergus Tierney (Sabah) and Aliff Izwan (Selangor). Currently, Ubaidullah Shamsul has been training with the team, while Fergus Tierney and Aliff Izwan are expected to join the training camp before the match with U22 Vietnam.

The match between U22 Vietnam and U22 Malaysia takes place at 4:00 p.m. on December 11.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/hlv-malaysia-nhan-xet-thang-than-ve-u22-viet-nam-truoc-tran-quyet-chien-20251208184926550.htm