Malaysian newspaper says Vietnam 'tamed' Malayan Tigers in SEA Games clash

In an article titled "Vietnam tamed the Harimau Malaya," Malaysian newspaper Sinar Harian said Vietnam controlled the game with better tactics, great passing and quick attacks down the flanks. The "Harimau Malaya" (Malayan Tigers) refers to the national team's nickname, derived from the tiger species native to Peninsula Malaysia.

Despite entering the match at Rajamangala Stadium on Thursday as group leaders and only needing a draw to advance, Malaysia struggled most of the time. The team failed to register a single shot on target and did not make Vietnam goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien break a sweat throughout the 90 minutes.

Goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien (R) consoles his counterpart Zulhilmi Sharani after Vietnam's 2-0 victory over Malaysia in Group B of the 33rd SEA Games men's football at Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand, on Dec. 11, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Hieu Luong

Malaysian goalkeeper Zulhilmi Sharani conceded two goals within the first 22 minutes, with a header from Nguyen Hieu Minh and a tap-in from Pham Minh Phuc. Sharani made other saves to deny Viktor Le and Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong. He was seen in tears after the final whistle and was consoled by keeper Trung Kien.

Local media did not hold back after watching Malaysia's performance. Berita Harian commented that the team lost because of a loose start, noting that the early goals shattered the players’ spirit.

CNN Indonesia said that Malaysia "lost in every aspect."

"This was evident in the fact that they didn't have a single shot on goal," the outlet wrote. "Malaysia only had one shot in the 66th minute, but it was blocked by Vietnam's defense."

Coach Nafuzi Zain admitted that Vietnam were the better side but argued that his team "could still play on equal terms with strong teams in the region if they didn't give them an easy start." He implied that his players did not perform like they did in training and made costly errors.

Fan frustration

Indonesian outlet Superball highlighted the disappointment among Malaysian fans.

"What happened to Malaysia? They left too many gaps in the midfield, focusing only on defensive play," wrote Johnnymorse Ronald, a supporter.

Another fan, Mohamad Edzhan Adnan, commented: "This is the true level of Malaysian players. It’s harsh, but it's the truth."

"The two teams are too far apart in terms of skills. Malaysia have a lot to learn from Vietnam," added Roslan Mdnoor.

The result may affect the outcome of the group stage. Had Malaysia drawn against Vietnam, Indonesia would have been eliminated.

To secure the spot as the best runner-up and face Thailand in the semi-finals, Indonesia must defeat Myanmar by at least three goals in their final group match later on Friday.

Vietnam have qualified as the winner of Group B and are set to face the Philippines in the first semi-final on Monday, Dec. 15.

 

 

Malaysian newspaper says Vietnam 'tamed' Malayan Tigers in SEA Games clash

Việt Nam 2-0 Malaysia