Vietnam U22 determined to defeat Malaysia; Viettel bids farewell to Tien Anh.

Key messages before the big match: Coach Kim Sang-sik urged the Vietnam U22 team to treat the clash with Malaysia U22 as a knockout match, aiming solely for victory to secure the top spot, while Malaysia U22 affirmed they would not play defensively. At the same time, Viettel announced the departure of Truong Tien Anh after 13 years; center-back Gustavo Santos completed his naturalization process, taking the Vietnamese name Do Phi Long.

Vietnam U22 vs Malaysia U22: knockout spirit

Instead of playing it safe in the SEA Games 33 group stage, coach Kim Sang-sik sent a "steel message" to his players: this is a life-or-death battle. He affirmed: "I have instilled this mindset in the players over the past few days. Don't treat tomorrow's match as just another group stage game. Go onto the field with the mindset of playing a knockout match. Our only goal is to win to secure first place; there is no Plan B."

The elimination of any "safe" scenarios indicates an aggressive, psychologically-driven approach from the outset, emphasizing the decisive nature of each play. Conversely, the opponent's refusal to settle for a draw foreshadows a fierce battle of willpower.

Malaysia U22 faces personnel crisis, but refuses to back down.

The U22 Malaysia team is facing significant personnel shortages. In their victory against U22 Laos, coach Nafuzi Zain only had 19 players available due to several clubs refusing to release players and one player being ill. The difficulties were further compounded when winger Haqimi Azim Rosli returned to Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday morning to mourn his father.

However, the Malaysian U22 team has no intention of retreating. Coach Mohd Nafuzi affirmed: “We know that the Vietnamese U22 team is a top team and will pose a great challenge. However, we will play to win against the Vietnamese U22 team, to get 3 points, and most importantly, not to lose.” Given their limited squad, this statement reflects a proactive mindset rather than a defensive approach.

Indonesia: Mental Therapy and Messages from PSSI

Following their 0-1 defeat against the Philippines U22 team, the Indonesian U22 team no longer has control over their own destiny regarding qualification for the semi-finals. Team manager Sumardji announced a plan to use a special psychological therapy ("brainwashing") to erase the trauma of the defeat and rekindle their ambition before the match against Myanmar U22. This is seen as a key strategy to boost morale alongside technical skills.

PSSI Vice President Ratu Tisha Destria sent a reassuring message: “As someone involved in football, I cannot comment on this, as it is inappropriate. It’s better that we focus on each match. We have a match tomorrow, let’s face that first.” This was a reminder to focus on the immediate task, avoiding distractions from the pressure of the group standings.

Gustavo Santos became a naturalized citizen, taking the name Do Phi Long.

SHB Da Nang received good news as Brazilian central defender Gustavo Santos completed the procedures to become a Vietnamese citizen. According to a decision signed by President Luong Cuong on December 4, 2025, he holds Vietnamese citizenship under the new name Do Phi Long. This is an important legal addition for the club, and also opens up more flexible registration possibilities according to regulations for domestic/foreign players.

Viettel bids farewell to Truong Tien Anh after 13 years.

Viettel surprised many by officially terminating the contract with defender Truong Tien Anh. He joined the Viettel academy at the age of 13 and stayed with the club for 13 years. Although his contract was still valid, the club proactively engaged with him to allow him to seek new challenges.

This decision marks a turning point for both sides: Viettel opens up space for personnel restructuring, while Truong Tien Anh has the opportunity to restart his career in a new environment.

Highlights and notable milestones

• Kim Sang-sik insisted that the match against U22 Malaysia be treated as a knockout round, with the goal being victory to secure first place, and that there should be "no Plan B".
• Malaysia U22 had only 19 players in their win against Laos U22; Haqimi Azim Rosli left the team to return to Kuala Lumpur to mourn his father's death.
• Coach Mohd Nafuzi affirmed that the Malaysian U22 team will play to win against the Vietnamese U22 team, not to aim for a draw.
• Indonesia U22 lost 0-1 to Philippines U22 and no longer have control over their own destiny; team manager Sumardji applied special psychological therapy.
• PSSI Vice President Ratu Tisha Destria urged the team to focus on each game.
• Gustavo Santos was granted Vietnamese citizenship by President Luong Cuong on December 4, 2025, with the Vietnamese name Do Phi Long.
• Viettel terminated its contract with Truong Tien Anh after 13 years, even though the contract was still valid.

Ahead of the crucial match, both Kim Sang-sik's statement and the message from the U22 Malaysia team suggest that both sides are choosing a direct confrontation rather than a calculated approach. In related developments, Indonesia is betting on a morale boost to bounce back, while the domestic market is witnessing notable personnel changes with a naturalization deal and an emotional farewell.