Kuala lumpur: Malaysia went down 0-2 to Vietnam in the first leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 semi-final last night, but midfielder Sergio Aguero insists Harimau Malaya can hold their heads high and stage a fightback in Wednesday's return leg in Hanoi.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the 32-year-old naturalised player rated the team's display as Malaysia's best of the tournament, even though the hosts squandered chances and conceded two goals to the defending champions.

Aguero expressed pride in the team's performance, noting that they played an impressive game. He mentioned that Vietnam's coach, Kim Sang Sik, who is a friend of his, was surprised by Malaysia's performance in the first half. Aguero emphasized the need for the team to remain proud and look forward to the next 90 minutes to fight and demonstrate the same level of play in the return leg.

Nguyen Xuan Son's strike in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time, followed by an own goal from Muhammad Faris Danish Asrul in the 86th minute, provided Vietnam with a crucial advantage as they head into the next match at My Dinh Stadium.

Historically, Malaysia's best ASEAN Cup run was in 2010 when they lifted the trophy. Vietnam, meanwhile, have been crowned champions three times, in 2008, 2018, and 2024.

In another semi-final clash, seven-time champions Thailand secured a 3-1 victory against four-time winners Singapore at Jalan Besar Stadium. The return leg for this match is scheduled to take place tomorrow at Rajamangala Stadium.