Indonesian media comments on Vietnam securing qualification for the 2027 Asian Cup Finals

The latest disciplinary decision by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) not only altered the landscape of the 2027 Asian Cup qualification group, but also drew significant attention from regional media. Numerous Indonesian newspapers promptly reported when the Vietnam national team officially secured a spot in the finals following the penalty imposed on Malaysia.

CNN Indonesia reported that the AFC decided to award Malaysia a 0-3 defeat in both matches against Nepal and Vietnam during the third round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers due to the use of an ineligible player. This decision resulted in Malaysia losing 6 points, while Nepal and Vietnam each gained 3 points.

CNN Indonesia stated that the AFC's penalty created a major turning point in the group. “With this development, the Vietnam team now firmly occupies the top position in Group F with 15 points after 5 matches. Meanwhile, the deduction of 6 points caused Malaysia to drop to second place with 9 points.”

The Indonesian newspaper also emphasized that the penalty was issued after the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Committee determined that the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) violated Article 56 of the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Code by using an invalid player in two matches held in 2025.

With this development, the Vietnam team now firmly occupies the top position in Group F with 15 points after 5 matches. Meanwhile, the deduction of 6 points caused Malaysia to drop to second place with 9 points and is effectively eliminated.

Specifically, Malaysia had defeated Nepal 2-0 on March 25, 2025 and defeated Vietnam 4-0 on June 10, 2025. However, after the incident was discovered and investigated, the AFC applied Article 25.1 to annul the results of both matches and award Malaysia a 0-3 defeat in both encounters.

In addition to the point deduction, FAM must also pay a fine of 50,000 USD. According to CNN Indonesia, the Football Association of Malaysia is currently considering requesting the AFC to provide full reasoning for the verdict before deciding whether to appeal.

Indonesian media assessed this as one of the shocking decisions in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, as it completely changed the group's dynamics. While Vietnam, from a disadvantaged position, has now secured advancement, the team nicknamed Harimau Malaya is effectively eliminated.

CNN Indonesia assessed that with the official qualification for the 2027 Asian Cup, the Vietnam national team is expected to continue maintaining its status as one of the strong teams of Southeast Asian football on the continental stage.