JAKARTA – Malaysia secured third place at the FIFA ASEAN Cup after a 1-0 victory over Vietnam at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, with Fergus Tierney scoring the decisive goal in the second half.
The result gave Malaysia a positive finish to a tournament in which they had also impressed defensively. The side entered the bronze final having emerged from the group stage as the second-highest scoring team while remaining the only side yet to concede.
Malaysia had narrowly missed out on a place in the final after Indonesia advanced to the title decider on goals scored. That left the bronze final against Vietnam as an opportunity for Tan Cheng Hoe’s side to close the inaugural tournament with a result that reflected their strong group-stage campaign.
The match in Jakarta began with little separating the two teams. Malaysia, however, carried a threat through forward Bergson, who had been one of the team’s key attacking figures during the group stage.
Bergson came close to creating an opening when he sent a dangerous cross across the face of goal, although Quentin Cheng was unable to make contact. The forward then tested Vietnam goalkeeper Le Giang Patrik with two efforts that required saves before the interval.
Neither side could break the deadlock during a closely contested first half, leaving the bronze medal destination undecided at the break.
Malaysia were subsequently forced to make a change when Bergson, who had been struggling with an injury, was withdrawn around the hour mark. Tierney was introduced in his place and made an immediate impact.
Within about a minute of entering the match, Tierney put Malaysia ahead. The 23-year-old collected possession just outside the penalty area before sending a low shot through the legs of Bui Hoang Viet Anh and beyond Le Giang.
The strike marked Tierney’s second international goal and gave Malaysia the advantage with just under half an hour remaining.
Vietnam attempted to respond and were dealt another setback when Ngo Dang Khoa was forced off with an injury. The Vietnamese side continued to push for an equaliser as the closing stages approached.
Vietnam appeared to have another opportunity to change the course of the match when a penalty decision was initially awarded, but a video assistant referee review overturned the call.
Malaysia subsequently managed the late pressure and protected their narrow lead until the final whistle. The victory preserved their unbeaten defensive record from the tournament and confirmed third place.
For Malaysia, the result provided a strong conclusion to a campaign shaped by efficient attacking play and defensive discipline. The bronze finish also meant the team left Jakarta with a medal after narrowly missing the final.
Vietnam, meanwhile, were unable to find a response after Tierney’s strike and had to settle for fourth place. The match concluded a tournament campaign in which both teams had competed for a place among the leading sides in the regional competition. â Sarawak Daily
