With an aim to score at least two goals to level the 2-0 arrears in the first leg semis, the hosts and defending champions Vietnam could only make an eye-catching performance with relentless attacks in the second leg in Hanoi today. No more.
In the 72nd minute, Vietnam had to play with 10 men after midfielder Thanh Luong was booked the second time and had to leave the field.
The draw means Vietnam have to halt their cruise at this year’s Suzuki Cup with an aggregate 2-0 loss to Malaysians.
Vietnamese players spent much energy for the match to play with the ball, mostly on the Malaysian side, but failed to surprise the visitors.
They threw out a dozen of shots towards the Malaysian goal frame but none of them caused difficulty for the goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Bin Che Mat.
In total, the hosts invaded Malaysian box around 20 times but couldn’t pierce through the solid defensive wall of the rivals.
Securing the final win, Malaysia will face either Indonesia or the Philippines after they complete their second leg semifinal game on December 19. Indonesia edged the Philippines 1-0 In the first leg.
The final game will also be played on home-and-away format, with the two matches to be held on December 26 and 29.
