HLV Malaysia acknowledges that the Vietnam national team holds the advantage

Despite potential squad shortages, the Malaysian team's morale is unwavering as they gear up to take on the defending champions, Vietnam, in the 2026 Asean Cup.

The Malaysian national team will be without several key players for the first leg of the semi-final at Cheras Stadium on August 16 at 8:00 PM.

Despite these setbacks, interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe remains calm and composed, taking the situation in stride ahead of the crucial match.

"We are unable to register any new players for the upcoming match or the rest of the tournament. We will have to continue with what we currently have," Cheng Hoe stated.

The midfield is the hardest-hit area, with Endrick Dos Santos (knee) and Aliff Haiqal Lau (hamstring) both sidelined due to injuries.

It is known that wingers Mohamadou Sumareh and Engku Nur Shakir Nur Yacob are also facing fitness issues, although the specific nature of their injuries has not been disclosed.

Malaysia's difficulties are compounded by the departure of midfielder Wan Kuzain Wan Ahmad Kamal, who plays in the United States, after his club Sporting JAX recalled him for the USL Championship.

Since the Asean Cup is not held during FIFA's international match calendar, clubs are not obligated to release players and may recall them at any time, even during the tournament.

Coach Tan Cheng Hoe, who typically fields three central midfielders in a 4-3-3 formation, now has only four options in this area: Ziad El-Basheer, Sergio Aguero, Ibrahim Manusi, and Daryl Sham George.

Despite the difficulties, he has faith that the remaining players will get the job done.

"Things have been tough and challenging from the start, but we keep moving forward, and that's what we hold onto. We are not daunted by the challenges coming our way.

Some players in this tournament have yet to see game time, but based on what I've observed in training, they are ready both mentally and physically to step in for the injured players.

As a coach, I am evaluating the options I have in midfield for the challenge against Vietnam."

Center-back Aysar Hadi Sapri and striker Paulo Josue are both considered capable of playing in midfield, but Cheng Hoe said he does not want to disrupt the team structure too much.

"I know we have some players who can play in multiple positions, but I will not pick someone just to fill the numbers.

They must be ready to play in midfield because we know what our opponent is capable of. I want them to have tactical understanding and discipline to defend solidly, maintain focus, and play smartly both with and without the ball.

The Vietnam national team holds the advantage because they have selected their strongest squad for this tournament, but we have the home advantage and will make the most of it."