U.23 Malaysia was eliminated early, host Indonesia advanced: Who will U.23 Vietnam easily compete with in the semi-finals?

On the evening of July 21, in the final match of Group A, the U.23 Malaysia team could not create a surprise when they only had a 0-0 draw with the U.23 Indonesia team and had to accept leaving the 2025 Southeast Asian U.23 Championship.

Tense match, U.23 Malaysia tried unsuccessfully

In terms of strength and form, the U.23 Indonesia team is rated higher. However, the U.23 Malaysia team is also very eager because they need to win all 3 points to secure a place in the semi-finals. Therefore, the developments at the Gelora Bung Karno stadium became extremely tense.

Right from the first minutes, players from both sides rushed into fierce disputes, accepting yellow cards to prevent the opponent from organizing dangerous attacks. Both teams did not have any really smooth and sharp attacking coordination situations. The U.23 Indonesia team mainly caused trouble with their specialty throw-ins. The finishing opportunities came, but the home team's strikers could not overcome the opponent's defense.

Highlight U.23 Indonesia 0-0 U.23 Malaysia: The away team stops

Meanwhile, the U.23 Malaysia team patiently defended, waiting for counter-attack opportunities. The away team also relied heavily on Scottish player Fergus Tierney, so the counter-attacks were monotonous. That was the reason why the first half ended without any goals scored.

In the second half, the game was similar to the first 45 minutes. The U.23 Indonesia team continued to press the field but their finishing had not regained its sharpness. Meanwhile, the opportunities of the U.23 Malaysia team became increasingly sparse, especially after Tierney left the field. The match ended in a 0-0 draw.

Tierney (right) has a great through ball

PHOTO: DONG NGUYEN KHANG

But his teammates were often out of sync.

PHOTO: DONG NGUYEN KHANG

Malaysia U.23 team (yellow shirt) said goodbye to the Southeast Asian U.23 tournament after the group stage.

How was the final group A?

In the match at Patriot Stadium at the same time, the U.23 Philippines team won 2-0 against the U.23 Brunei team. With this result, the U.23 Indonesia team leads the group with 7 points. The U.23 Philippines team has 6 points and ranks 2nd, still has a chance to enter the semi-finals. The U.23 Malaysia team has only 4 points, ranks 3rd and says goodbye to the tournament while the U.23 Brunei team was eliminated early.

If Group A has 2 teams in the semi-finals and the U.23 Vietnam team wins Group B, coach Kim Sang-sik and his team will face the U.23 Philippines team.

Dinh Bac is fit enough to play against U.23 Cambodia, will coach Kim save his 'precious gem' for the semi-finals?

Watch the full 2025 Southeast Asian U.23 Football Championship Mandiri Cup™ on FPT Play, visit http://fptplay.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/u23-malaysia-som-bi-loai-chu-nha-indonesia-di-tiep-u23-viet-nam-de-dau-ai-o-ban-ket-185250721210527415.htm