BANGKOK, Dec 6 (Bernama) -- National Under-23 (U-23) men’s football team head coach Mohd Nafuzi Zain expects stiff resistance from Vietnam during their final Group B match of the 2025 South East Asian Games in Thailand next Thursday (Dec 11).
He said it was vital that his players remained focused and prepare thoroughly as Vietnam were the 2019 and 2021 men’s football champions, and that they could not afford to lose if they are to finish on top of their group and advance to the semi-finals.
“As you know, Vietnam are a strong side, made up of fast, technically sound, calm and mature players. We need to be at our best to beat them,” he told reporters at the post-match press conference after Malaysia defeated Laos 4–1 at the Rajamangala National Stadium here on Saturday.
He expressed pride over his team’s win over Laos despite being without several key players due to ongoing Malaysian league commitments.
“The players came into this tournament knowing this is not strongest side they can assemble, but our bonding and team spirit gave us the confidence to perform.
“We are pleased to have won our opening match of the tournament, and this will give us confidence going into the match against Vietnam,” he said.
Meanwhile, Laos head coach Ha Hyeok-jun congratulated Malaysia on their convincing victory, admitting that his team were lacking “in every aspect” but managed to give their best tactically and physically.
“The scoreline does not reflect our performance, but my players did their best. They are still young and I think we need more time to develop them into an elite group,” he said.
Malaysia, Vietnam and Laos are in Group B, hosts Thailand, Cambodia and Timor-Leste are in Group A, while defending champions Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Singapore are in Group C, with the top teams from each group and the best runner-up qualifying for the semi-finals.
Malaysia failed to progress beyond the group stage at the 2023 Games in Cambodia and finished fourth at the 2021 edition in Vietnam.
The team’s last medal was a silver in Kuala Lumpur in 2017, while the last gold medal was won at the 2011 SEA Games in Indonesia.
The 33rd edition of the SEA Games, officially opening on Dec 9, is being held in Bangkok and Chonburi from Dec 9 to 20.
For the latest news on the SEA Games Thailand 2025, visit https://seagames.bernama.com
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