KUALA LUMPUR: National coach Tan Cheng Hoe described Malaysia’s performance in the AFF Cup as an amazing journey despite falling to Vietnam in the final.
The Golden Dragons won the title for the second time with a 3-2 aggregate success over Harimau Malaya following a 1-0 victory at the My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi on Saturday.
Although, Cheng Hoe noted that poor decision making led to Vietnam’s goal in Hanoi, the 50-year-old was happy with his players’ dedication and commitment throughout the tournament.
The home side took the lead after six minutes through Nguyen Anh Duc for his fourth goal in the competition.
Anh Duc volleyed a Nguyen Quang Hai looping cross from the left past Malaysian goalkeeper Farizal Marlias. The visitors, however, should have done better as their defenders were guilty of ball watching.
“We lost because of individual mistakes that allowed Vietnam to score a goal today.
“However, I am happy with the team’s performance throughout the tournament.
“It has been an amazing journey for the team as many did not expect us to go far.
“Today, the players did their best but it wasn’t enough to win the AFF Cup,” said Cheng Hoe.
Malaysia had 58 per cent possession with 13 attempts at the Vietnam goal. Four were on target.