With only 20 players left, U22 Malaysia is determined not to "park the bus" against U22 Vietnam.

Speaking ahead of the crucial Group B match taking place this afternoon (4 PM, December 11th) at Rajamangala Stadium (Bangkok), U22 Malaysia coach Nafuzi Zain affirmed that his team will not play a defensive, "bus-parking" game against U22 Vietnam.

Currently, both teams have 3 points. Malaysia is temporarily leading the group thanks to a better goal difference after their 4-1 victory over Laos, while Vietnam U22 defeated Laos 2-1.

"We always aim to win and get all three points. At a minimum, we can't afford to lose; just avoiding defeat is enough to qualify for the semi-finals. We are preparing very thoroughly for this match," coach Nafuzi Zain shared in Bangkok.

Commenting on their opponent, Nafuzi acknowledged that the Vietnam U22 team is a major challenge: “Vietnam is a very strong team. From the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship until now, they have proven their class. We know they are superior in many aspects, but the important thing is how we play and how we prepare.”

Malaysia is expected to make tactical adjustments compared to the match against Laos. Although pleased with their opening match performance, coach Nafuzi believes that the Vietnam U22 team will pose a completely different level of challenge.

Regarding personnel, winger Haqimi Azim Rosli, who recently returned to Kuala Lumpur following his father's death, is unlikely to rejoin the team in time. However, Malaysia received good news as midfielder Aliff Izwan Yuslan has been given permission to join the squad by Selangor FC.

“Laos and Vietnam are two very different opponents. Our preparations will also change. We can adjust our playing style, and players who haven’t played yet may have a chance. Everything will be assessed as the match approaches,” said Nafuzi.

U22 Malaysia còn 20 cầu thủ, quyết không dựng xe buýt trước U22 Việt Nam - 2 — Coach Nafuzi is participating in the SEA Games 33 with an unstable squad (Photo: Arena Metro).

Despite some additions and losses, coach Nafuzi appeared unconcerned: “There have been additions and losses, so overall the squad hasn't changed much. We accept this challenge and are fully focused on the match against Vietnam.”

He also confirmed that striker Fergus Tierney had never been considered for a call-up, as Sabah FC did not allow him to leave the team before the FA Cup final against Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) on Sunday.

Therefore, it is likely that the U22 Malaysia team will enter the match against U22 Vietnam with only 20 players (one player is injured, one player is named but has not yet joined the team, and one player has returned home to mourn his father), including two players who only joined the team two days ago.