Malaysia calls up 14 defenders to avoid losing to Vietnam: Cong Phuong faces difficulties

Malaysia to play friendly match with world's 72nd ranked opponent

In the match between Malaysia and Vietnam, whichever team wins will have a huge advantage in winning the top spot in the group and securing a spot in the finals in Saudi Arabia (taking place from January 7 to February 5, 2027).

Coach Peter Cklamovski has called up many naturalized players to prepare for the match against the Vietnamese team.

PHOTO: AFP

In the history of confrontation, the Vietnamese team won 15 matches against Malaysia, drew 3 and lost only 5. In the last 8 meetings, the "Golden Star Warriors" were undefeated, with a record of 7 wins and 1 draw. However, the Malaysian team has recently undergone major changes, starting from the top when the country's football federation has been reorganized. A specialized executive board for the national team has been formed with a new coach, Mr. Peter Cklamovski (Australian), an executive director from abroad and former coach Tan Cheng Hoe also returning as technical director.

"After the opening match against Nepal 2-0 on March 25, the Malaysian team aims to win another 3 points in the match against Vietnam, the number 1 competitor in Group F. However, this is an extremely difficult goal. The strength of the Vietnamese team has been proven through the championship of the AFF Cup 2024 in early 2025, in which the strikers scored 21 goals after only 8 matches. In the opening match of the 3rd qualifying round of the Asian Cup 2027, the Vietnamese team also won big and very easily against Laos with a score of 5-0," warned the New Straits Times of Malaysia.

"Coach Peter Cklamovski chose 14 defenders from the list of 38 players to prepare for solutions to stop the Vietnamese team's attack. It is necessary to ensure that they do not lose before thinking about winning. That is also the reason why the Malaysian team (ranked 131st in the world) has chosen 2 practice matches, including an official friendly match with the strong team Cape Verde (ranked 72nd in the world) to test the defense before the match against the Vietnamese team (ranked 109th in the world)", New Straits Times added. Meanwhile, the Vietnamese team called up 10 defenders. With 14 defenders, Malaysia will make it difficult for the Vietnamese team's attack, including Cong Phuong.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/malaysia-goi-toi-14-hau-ve-de-khong-thua-doi-tuyen-viet-nam-cong-phuong-gap-kho-185250524000341159.htm