Vietnam, Malaysia have advantages in AFF Cup’s Group A: ESPN

Vietnam and Malaysia are deemed the favourites for the next stage in Group A of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup 2018, reported the ESPN sport website.

The AFF Suzuki Cup will take place from November 8 to December 15 at 12 different stadiums in Southeast Asia.

Group A consists of Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos.

According to ESPN, Vietnam’s senior side has not played a lot of late and warmed up with a training camp in the Republic of Korea and friendly matches against local clubs. Qualification for the 2019 Asian Cup was impressive and there is a nucleus of young players that have come through the ranks together.

Goalkeeper Dang Van Lam is viewed one of the most prominent players of Vietnam at the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 (Photo: VNA)
Goalkeeper Dang Van Lam is viewed one of the most prominent players of Vietnam at the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 (Photo: VNA)

Head coach Park Hang-seo has become a popular figure after leading Vietnam’s U23 team to a series of impressive results in continental tournaments. 

Additionally, goalkeeper Dang Van Lam is viewed one of the most prominent players of the team. “The goalkeeper has just broken into the national team and is set to be the No. 1 for a number of years”, ESPN wrote.

It continued that Vietnam have plenty of attacking and creative talents, therefore, there is a real chance of a repeat of Vietnam's 2008 AFF Cup success.

Meanwhile, the exploits of the U23 team this year have been a very welcome piece of good news that has helped lift some of the gloom in Malaysian football. The regional football tournament is a major test for the national team under manager Tan Cheng Hoe.

The 21-year-old Safawi Rasid has already proved to be one of the most exciting young talents in the region.

ESPN said Malaysia’s opening game in Cambodia is crucial. A win in Phnom Penh would get Malaysia's self-belief going and would also give the team a great chance of the last four.

Cambodia have lost most of their friendly matches of late due to the team’s experiments in tactical formations. Chan Vathanaka, the attacker known as CR11 started in the last edition of the AFF Cup and still has what it takes to shine on the regional stage.

Regarding Myanmar, after an encouraging 2017, results this year have been poor. However, the federation should be congratulated for arranging tests with China, Bolivia and Bahrain, they may have all ended in defeat but their true value should be revealed especially after a pre-tournament training camp in Qatar.

German coach Antoine Hey has plenty of experience in Europe and especially Africa. Moreover, Zaw Min Tun, who is playing for Thailand’s Chonburi club, is said to be the team’s pillar. 

The squad made the last four two years ago. That was on home soil however and the target is to repeat the feat this time. Hence, the final game against Malaysia will be vital.

Laos have made progress lately as it is an organised team in friendly matches with pragmatic style. 

Under the management of V Sundramoorthy, the team is expected to attain good results in the upcoming AFF Suzuki Cup with while placing its hope on key man Khonesavanh Sihavong.

VNA

Other News

Vietnam moves to adapt to rapid population ageing, expand silver economy

Vietnam moves to adapt to rapid population ageing, expand silver economy

The International Day of Older Persons 2026, themed “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives,” highlights the need to develop healthcare, social security, labour-market and social-service systems in response to increasing life expectancy. For Vietnam, rapid population ageing is not only a demographic issue but also a development challenge.

Vietnamese, Lao localities bolster Front cooperation

Vietnamese, Lao localities bolster Front cooperation

Both sides agreed to keep educating officials, Party members, youth union groups and the broader public, especially young people in both provinces, on the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between Vietnam and Laos.

Urgent rescue launched for Merchant Mariner off Quang Ngai

Urgent rescue launched for Merchant Mariner off Quang Ngai

The captain discovered water entering ballast tanks No. 4, 5 and 6 on the port side, causing the vessel to list slightly. Initial assessments indicated that the vessel may have struck an underwater rock formation while underway.

Publishing copyright caught in crossfire of piracy, AI

Publishing copyright caught in crossfire of piracy, AI

Publishing copyright is entering an entirely new phase. As AI becomes increasingly capable of generating text, summarising books, mimicking writing styles and producing content at enormous speed, ensuring copyright protection is becoming more difficult.

Heavy rains cause widespread damage in Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa

Heavy rains cause widespread damage in Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa

Prolonged heavy rains from September 13–17 have caused flooding and landslides, damaging homes, crops, roads and infrastructure in Phu Tho and Thanh Hoa provinces, with local authorities mobilising forces for emergency response.

Quang Ninh police bust 38.4 million USD transnational cybercrime ring

Quang Ninh police bust 38.4 million USD transnational cybercrime ring

Quang Ninh city's Public Security Department warned individuals, agencies and businesses not to publicly disclose or provide personal information or bank account details on social media, and urged organisations and businesses to strictly comply with regulations on protecting customers’ personal data.

Search area expanded to recover more martyrs' remains in Quang Tri

Search area expanded to recover more martyrs' remains in Quang Tri

The continued recovery of martyrs’ remains provides valuable information and further evidence of those who fought and sacrificed their lives for national independence and freedom. It also encourages search teams to persist in locating fallen soldiers still lying on former battlefields, contributing to the effective implementation of the 500-day campaign and reflecting Vietnam’s long-standing tradition of gratitude.

Vietnam to screen students nationwide for five health risks from 2028

Vietnam to screen students nationwide for five health risks from 2028

Vietnam will launch nationwide screening for five groups of school-related diseases and health conditions among students from preschool through high school from 2028, including overweight and obesity, refractive errors, spinal curvature, oral diseases and mental health disorders.