SEA Games 33: Malaysia is strong but not beyond the reach of U22 Vietnam

08/12/2025 08:59:00 SportScoop

The 4-1 win against U22 Laos elevated U22 Malaysia to the top of Group B and made them the main rival to U22 Vietnam in the battle for a semifinal spot at SEA Games 33.

Not only leading on goal difference, coach Nafuzi Zain’s team displayed a style rich in strength, speed, and particularly threatening in aerial plays. This has been a weapon that repeatedly caused difficulties for Vietnamese teams in the past. Thus, the match at 4 PM on December 11 will not just be a simple contest but the first full-scale test for coach Kim Sang Sik’s team aiming for the SEA Games 33 gold medal.SEA Games 33.

The most obvious strength of U22 Malaysia is their direct attacking capability based on two key forwards, Rosli Azim and Danish. Coach Nafuzi Zain arranges a 3-5-2 formation with two clear strikers. When necessary, U22 Malaysia fields only one physically strong striker, Rosli. U22 Vietnam, led by Kim Sang Sik, uses a 3-4-3 formation and shares many similarities with their opponent.

When facing U22 Laos, U22 Malaysia was determined to win by a large margin, so coach Nafuzi Zain deployed an attack-focused lineup. Danish is a smaller forward but skillful in maneuvering, while Rosli is tall and strong in aerial duels.

Both of these forwards fully capitalized on their chances in the opening match. The players ready to replace this pair, Abu Khalil and Daud Rahman, also have very decisive finishing skills. Abu Khalil scored a technical shot to seal the 4-1 victory for U22 Malaysia against U22 Laos. Rahman is known for powerful long-range shots that could surprise goalkeeper Trung Kiên in the next match.

Taking advantage of errors from U22 Laos’s defense, U22 Malaysia’s forwards immediately made an impact. Not only the offense, but U22 Malaysia also has dangerous elements in defense.

U22 Malaysia (left) is especially dangerous in aerial situations. Photo: Tuấn Phạm

Central defender Michel Moses, with good physique and effective attacking participation, directly scored the third goal in the win over Laos. Moses’s involvement in attacks poses a constant threat, especially since Malaysia is very skilled at delivering aerial balls into the penalty area and creating chaos through one-on-one challenges.

However, this tall defender is not very quick when defending. The goal U22 Malaysia conceded early in the recent match against U22 Laos reflected Moses’s sluggishness. The events in the game against U22 Laos showed that U22 Malaysia lacks a strong midfield and has problems in the central areas.

The wing midfielders are more active, which is the team’s most potent weapon. U22 Laos made too many defensive mistakes, as U22 Malaysia did not have many players joining the attack but still benefited from gifts from the opposing defense.

The lesson from U22 Laos remains very fresh for U22 Vietnam. If confused during a few aerial plays, the defensive system could collapse immediately. U22 Laos played hard and organized well in the first half, even taking the lead, but their weakness in aerial duels and stamina caused them to break down in the second half. This is exactly what U22 Vietnam must be highly alert to.

U22 Vietnam puts aside worries to face Malaysia

Given the current situation, U22 Malaysia only needs a draw to advance as group leaders. This makes the match even more challenging for coach Kim Sang Sik’s team.

Coach Nafuzi Zain’s squad may choose a safe playing style, waiting for U22 Vietnam to make mistakes in their eagerness to attack. Meanwhile, U22 Vietnam must win to decide their own fate instead of relying on comparing the records of second-placed teams in Groups A and C.

The solution lies in how U22 Vietnam operates their playing style. U22 Malaysia is strong in physicality and aerial play, so controlling the game and maintaining possession in midfield to keep opponents away from the goal is essential.

If the midfielders play creatively and directly target U22 Malaysia’s central weaknesses, good results may come for U22 Vietnam. Set-piece situations should also be well exploited by coach Kim Sang Sik’s team in this match.

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