Malaysia secured their place in the semi-finals of the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 after closing out the group stage with a narrow victory over the Philippines. The Harimau Malaya finished second in Group B behind Thailand and will now face Vietnam in the last four.
Malaysia Advance Thanks to Pavithran’s Header
Malaysia secured second place in Group B with a 1-0 victory over the Philippines at Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium on Saturday, August 8.
Pavithran Gunalan proved to be the match-winner for the Harimau Malaya, scoring the only goal of the game with a header in the 16th minute. The goal came after Pavithran connected with a cross from Wan Kuzain Wan Kamal.
The victory took Malaysia to nine points from four matches, enough to secure their place in the semi-finals as Group B runners-up.
For Pavithran, the goal was a memorable moment. The 21-year-old scored his first senior international goal and was also named Hyundai Player of the Match.
Thailand Complete Perfect Group Stage
Thailand finished top of Group B after producing a perfect record throughout the group stage. The War Elephants collected 12 points from four matches, winning every game they played.
In their final group match, Thailand defeated Myanmar 2-0 at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok.
Both of Thailand’s goals came from the penalty spot. Worachit Kanitsribumphen opened the scoring in the 11th minute before Jehhanafee Mamah doubled the lead in the 52nd minute.
The result sent Thailand into the semi-finals with a perfect record, where they will face Singapore.
Vietnam Await Malaysia in the Semi-Finals
As Group B runners-up, Malaysia will face Vietnam in the semi-finals. Vietnam advanced as Group A winners after collecting 10 points from four matches.
Vietnam produced an impressive campaign in the group stage, scoring 13 goals while conceding just once. As the defending champions, they will provide a major test for Malaysia in the last four.
Malaysia will play the first leg at home before travelling to Vietnam for the return fixture. The Harimau Malaya will be hoping to secure a positive result in Kuala Lumpur to give themselves a strong platform ahead of the second leg.
Singapore Set Up Thailand Clash
The other semi-final will see Thailand take on Singapore. Singapore secured their place in the last four after drawing 1-1 with Indonesia in their final Group A match.
Indonesia needed a victory to keep their qualification hopes alive, while the draw was enough for Singapore to secure second place in the group.
Singapore finished Group A as runners-up with eight points, setting up a semi-final meeting with Thailand, who topped Group B with a perfect record.
ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 Semi-Final Schedule
The semi-finals of the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 will be played over two legs.
Malaysia will host Vietnam in the first leg at Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium on August 16, 2026. The return leg will then take place at My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi on August 19.
Meanwhile, Thailand will face Singapore in the first leg at Jalan Besar Stadium on August 15. The second leg will be played at Rajamangala Stadium on August 18.
For Malaysia, the semi-final against Vietnam represents a major test of their title ambitions. The victory over the Philippines secured their place in the last four, but the Harimau Malaya will now face a significantly tougher challenge against the defending champions.
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