Malaysia finished third at the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup after beating Vietnam 1-0 in the playoff at Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on October 5. Substitute Fergus Tierney scored the only goal in the 62nd minute, giving Malaysia its first win over Vietnam in 12 years.
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The result capped an unusual tournament run: Malaysia did not lose or concede a goal, yet still missed the final. Vietnam, meanwhile, finished fourth without a medal.
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Tierney’s finish decides a tight match
The teams went into halftime scoreless. Tierney had come on for Bergson da Silva shortly before scoring. Near the edge of the penalty area, he got a shot away through Bùi Hoàng Việt Anh’s legs and into the near corner.
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Vietnam looked to have a chance to equalise in the 73rd minute when referee Ko Hyung-jin awarded a penalty after a challenge by Harith Haiqal on Lê Văn Đô. After checking the pitchside monitor, he reversed his decision, ruling that Haiqal had won the ball.
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Vietnam kept pressing but could not find an equaliser. The side had 14 shots during the match, while Malaysia held on for another clean sheet.
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Injury absences on both sides
Vietnam went into the playoff without several players who had missed the tournament through injury, including Quang Hải, Văn Vĩ and Thành Chung.
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Malaysia were also reported to be without two regulars, but the report did not name them.
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Why Malaysia missed the final
In Group A, Malaysia beat Bangladesh 3-0, drew 0-0 with hosts Indonesia and thrashed Singapore 6-0. Indonesia took the group’s place in the final on goals scored, leaving Malaysia to contest the third-place match.
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Vietnam reached the playoff after finishing second in Group B with two wins and one loss.
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Malaysia’s win over Vietnam secured bronze and made it the only team to finish the tournament without conceding. Indonesia and Thailand contested the final, with Indonesia winning on penalties.
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