Coach Hoang Anh Tuan affirmed that "the semi-final will be an exciting match"

Speaking at a press conference about the match, head coach Hoang Anh Tuan expressed his hope that both teams will have a great performance together, creating an exciting match.

During the group stage, both teams earned 6 points. While U23 Vietnam defeated U23 Laos 4-1 and the Philippines 1-0, U23 Malaysia also defeated U23 Indonesia 2-1 and surpassed U23 Timor Leste 3-1 to finish first in the group. This has raised the fans' expectations for an exciting match in the semi-finals. Head coach Hoang Anh Tuan of U23 Vietnam and head coach Elavarasan both expressed their excitement.

Coach Hoang Anh Tuan said: "I hope both teams have great performances. For me, if Malaysia wins tomorrow, it's good, but if we win, it's even better. But no matter what the result is, both teams will play and improve together. I believe we are working together for the development of Southeast Asian football, hoping to get closer to the continental level."

Meanwhile, U23 Malaysia coach Elavarasan confirmed that he and his players are ready for the match with U23 Vietnam. This strategist said: “U23 Vietnam is a good team. I hope both teams will have a good match and enjoy football together. The strength of U23 Vietnam? I think it is Mr. Hoang Anh Tuan sitting next to me.”

When asked about the collision on the field between Van Truong and the opposing team's player in the match against U23 Philippines on the evening of August 22, coach Hoang Anh Tuan said that he has now forgotten that match and is focusing on the semi-final match against U23 Malaysia. He emphasized: "I have forgotten yesterday's match and Van Truong's actions. My mind is no longer attached to the past. Right now I am only thinking about the semi-final match against U23 Malaysia. If you ask about Van Truong's ability to play, I cannot answer. Please wait for tomorrow's match. Now I am only focusing on the Malaysian coach sitting next to me."

On the afternoon of August 23, the U23 Vietnam team will have a light training session, mainly to help the players relax their muscles and create a comfortable mindset before the semi-final match.

At the team meeting that morning, Head Coach Hoang Anh Tuan made necessary adjustments to his players regarding their spirit, attitude and concentration in daily life, training and competition. He emphasized that the attitude in training, competition and attitude towards their career will determine the future of each player. Therefore, players need to be aware of respecting their image, the image of the team, respecting their career and seizing the opportunity when they are on the field to show their best ability. That is the only way to advance to wear the national team jersey.

The U23 Vietnam team will face U23 Malaysia at 4:00 p.m. on August 24. The winning team will advance to the U23 Southeast Asia final, meeting the winner of the remaining semi-final between U23 Thailand and U23 Indonesia.

According to VNA