Anwar rallies Harimau Malaya ahead of Vietnam clash, urges players to give their best

Malaysia will face Vietnam at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta at 5 pm Malaysian time, while Indonesia and Thailand will contest the final at the same venue at 8 pm. — Bernama pic

First Published: Monday, 05 Oct 2026 11:02 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today rallied Harimau Malaya ahead of their third-place play-off against Vietnam in the 2026 FIFA Asean Cup this afternoon, urging the national side to give their best.

“Fight with full spirit and give your best for the pride of the badge on your chest.

“Malaysians are with you. Hopefully, this match will not require too much extra time,” he said in a Facebook post.

Malaysia will face Vietnam at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta at 5 pm Malaysian time, while Indonesia and Thailand will contest the final at the same venue at 8 pm.

Malaysia thrashed Singapore 6-0 in their final Division One Group A match at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung on Thursday, but the result was not enough to secure a place in the final.

Malaysia and Indonesia finished level on seven points with a goal difference of plus nine, but Indonesia topped the group after scoring 11 goals compared with Malaysia’s nine.

Indonesia secured their place in the final after beating Bangladesh 9-2 and will face Group B winners Thailand for the title. — Bernama