Following the semi-final victory over U17 Australia, the Brazilian tactician praised his players’ performance but also issued a clear warning ahead of the title clash, noting that Malaysia are no longer the same side Vietnam faced in the group stage.

“U17 Vietnam must maintain full concentration and prepare as thoroughly as possible for the final. Malaysia enter this match with a completely different form and mindset. We have to be well prepared and cannot afford any complacency,” Roland stressed.

U17 Vietnam previously secured a convincing 4-0 win over Malaysia in the group stage.

However, Roland’s caution is well founded. After that heavy defeat, U17 Malaysia have undergone a notable transformation. In the semi-finals, they delivered a commanding 3-0 win over U17 Laos, the same team that had stunned Thailand earlier in the tournament. The result served as a strong statement from the young “Harimau” side.

In fact, Vietnam have not only dominated Malaysia in this tournament but also defeated them 4-0 in the 2026 AFC U17 qualifiers not long ago. Two wins, eight goals scored and none conceded underline Vietnam’s superiority over their regional rivals.

Yet the nature of a final is entirely different. Malaysia have had time to learn from their previous defeats and are expected to come into the match with a clear determination to settle the score.

That prospect demands the best possible preparation from Roland’s squad.

The final of the 2026 Southeast Asian U17 Championship between U17 Vietnam and U17 Malaysia is scheduled to kick off at 7:30pm on April 24.

Malaysia U17 coach eyes redemption after group-stage loss to Vietnam

Head coach Shukor Adan has called on his players to show character and resilience as Malaysia U17 prepare to face Vietnam U17 once again in the final of the 2026 Southeast Asia U17 Championship.

Speaking ahead of the decisive match, the Malaysian coach stressed that success would not come from tactics alone, but from discipline and fighting spirit among his young squad.

“For me, the most important thing is that the team has learned how to rise after the defeat against Vietnam in the group stage,” he said.

“We received a lot of criticism, but the players overcame it. That is a valuable lesson. In reality, we are mostly an U16 team, even U15, competing in a group with very strong opponents like Vietnam and Indonesia.”

Following their opening 0-4 loss to Vietnam, Malaysia steadily improved. They went on to defeat Timor Leste and Indonesia, before overcoming Laos in the semi-finals.

According to Shukor Adan, the team has grown not only physically but also mentally with each match, and is now ready for the rematch.

“After that first game, the players kept improving in both fitness and mindset. I believe we are ready to face Vietnam again in the final,” he added.

The Malaysian side now approaches the final with increasing confidence and momentum, eager to settle the score. Their coach expressed hope that his players could once again demonstrate extraordinary spirit and create history.

“For most of these players, facing Vietnam was their first experience at an international tournament. It was a valuable lesson,” he said.

“What I appreciate most is how they showed strong character when playing against Indonesia. I must praise the players and the coaching staff for maintaining enthusiasm and motivation throughout.”

The final between Vietnam U17 and Malaysia U17 is scheduled to kick off at 19:30 on April 24. Earlier in the day, Australia U17 will face Laos U17 in the third-place match at 15:30.

Dai Nam