Kuala lumpur: Vietnam are looking to extend their impressive 22-match unbeaten run under head coach Kim Sang Sik when the defending champions take on Malaysia in the first leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 semi-final at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras here, tomorrow.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, The Golden Star Warriors are determined to maintain the perfect run comprising 19 wins and three draws. However, Sang Sik emphasized that every team member must continue working hard rather than becoming overly focused on the record. "We are currently on a good run of 22 matches unbeaten. I believe good memories and good history should be continued. To keep it going, the players and every member of the team must work even harder. While the record is good, rather than focusing solely on the numbers, I want to place more meaning on our players learning and growing match by match," he stated during the pre-match press conference today.

The South Korean coach acknowledged that the semi-final would present a tougher challenge compared to the group stage, where they topped Group A with 10 points. He stressed that his players must raise their level to achieve their target. Sang Sik mentioned that Vietnam has also studied Malaysia closely, including the individual qualities of their naturalised players, but believes his team must rely on collective strength. Among the naturalised players in the Harimau Malaya squad are midfielder Paulo Josue and winger Mohamadou Sumareh.

Sang Sik also identified Malaysia's tactical strength while stating that Vietnam had pinpointed areas they could exploit. "Malaysia is a strong team with a good balance, utilizing a 4-4-2 formation. However, we have identified and analysed their weaknesses, so we will prepare to create a good result in the match tomorrow," he added.

Meanwhile, forward Nguyen Xuan Son expressed that the team is well-prepared for the crucial encounter and is determined to secure a victory for their supporters. The 29-year-old highlighted that Vietnam's preparations would remain centred on their own team rather than individual Malaysian players. "We don't think too much about Malaysia because if you prepare well, train well, and follow the coach's plan, everything will be fine. We try to think more about Vietnam, the preparation, the food, the rest, and the recovery. That is most important," he explained.