MALAYSIA’S hopes of ending the eight-year drought to lift the AFF Suzuki Cup remained unfulfilled after losing 0-1 to Vietnam in the second final match at My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi tonight.

The outcome saw Vietnam emerging champions for the second time – after their win in 2008 – with a 3-2 aggregate win, snuffing out Malaysia’s dream of bagging their second title after the 2010 edition.

Both teams drew 2-2 in the first final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on December 11.

In tonight’s action, Harimau Malaya gave the Golden Dragons a tough fight before their 40,000 homecrowd fans.

However, luck favoured Vietnam, which opened the score in the sixth minute through a forceful strike by Nguyen Anh Duc in the penalty box that national goalkeeper, Farizal Marlias, failed to push away.

Four minutes later, Malaysia almost equalised but a back heel by Mohamadou Sumareh went wide at Vietnam’s goalmouth.

Later, Muhammad Syahmi Safari was also presented with a chance but his attempt was parried by Vietnamese goalkeeper Dang Van Lam and the 1-0 score remained until the end of the first half.

As soon as the second half resumed, Malaysia wasted no time hunting for an equaliser and in the 53rd minute, Muhammad Safawi Rasid’s free kick was fended off by Van Lam again.

Desperate for the equaliser, Harimau Malaya coach Tan Cheng Hoe made three changes in the second half to strengthen the frontline but Van Lam covered his ground well and the score remained 1-0 for Vietnam when Iranian referee Alireza Faghani blew the final whistle.

Earlier, national player Shahrul Mohd Saad was sent off after being given a red card by Faghani. He collected his second yellow during the second half injury time. – Bernama, December 15, 2018.