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"We had a great start. Even when the team conceded the first goal in the 28th minute, we were still playing well. But a penalty then a red card in the last minute of the first half significantly affected our mentality and quality, which cost us the game," Maloney said after the game in Uzbekistan.
Malaysia failed to put pressure on Vietnam from the start, conceding first to a header from Nham Manh Dung. They were able to create some chances after that, but after the penalty and the red card, the game was all but over for them.
"Congratulations to Vietnam for winning the game. But I don't understand why the referee gave Hairiey Hakim a red card in that situation. I need to watch the video again before giving further comments," Maloney said.
The penalty and red card were awarded by referee Dilan Perera after reviewing the play on VAR for five minutes. Hakim seemed to have handled the ball after Vietnam's Quang Nho received a pass inside the box. Malaysia had to play with 10 players for the remainder of the match.
After three straight losses, Malaysia left the tournament with only one goal scored in their 1-4 loss to South Korea.
"We didn't get the result that we wanted in this tournament. But I believe the last three games are still valuable experience and the young Malaysian players will go home with lessons for the next journey," Maloney said.
The penalty situation in Vietnam-Malaysia game.
