Vietnam's team faces Malaysia for the third time in the ASEAN championship final.

In less than six months, Vietnam U17 and Malaysia U17 have already met three times and are set to clash again in the 2026 ASEAN U17 Championship final, promising a dramatic and fateful showdown.

In less than six months, Vietnam U17 and Malaysia U17 are forging a special rivalry by meeting three consecutive times in major competitions. Their upcoming third encounter carries even greater significance as the two teams will face off directly in the 2026 ASEAN U17 Championship final, where the championship trophy is the sole objective.

Vietnam U17's journey to the final was further highlighted by an emotionally charged performance. In the semifinal on April 22, Coach Cristiano Roland's team overcame Australia U17 with a 2-1 score. Despite conceding an early goal, Vietnam U17 remained composed, reorganized their strategy, and efficiently capitalized on opportunities to score two consecutive goals, completing an impressive comeback.

On the other side, Malaysia U17 also proved they are not an opponent to be underestimated. This team defeated Laos U17 3-0 in the other semifinal, demonstrating a fast-paced, direct style of play and effective finishing ability. With their current form, Malaysia will undoubtedly present a much greater challenge than they have shown before.

It is noteworthy that the two teams previously met in the group stage of this tournament. At that time, Vietnam U17 dominated the match and secured a convincing 4-0 victory. That match not only reflected their tactical superiority but also showed a clear difference in the ability to seize opportunities between the two teams at that moment.

Not long before, during the Asian U17 qualifiers in November 2025, a similar scenario repeated when Vietnam U17 again defeated Malaysia U17 4-0 to secure the top spot in the group. After the match, the Malaysian side acknowledged the gap in skill level and stated they could not fully demonstrate their capabilities against a stronger opponent.

Now, all past statistics serve only as reference as the two teams enter the final at 7:30 PM on April 24 at Gelora Delta Stadium. This will be the third encounter between Vietnam U17 and Malaysia U17 in just half a year, but also the most crucial match. Based on their performances, Coach Cristiano Roland's team stands before a major opportunity to complete a victory "hat-trick" and conclude their journey with the championship title.

If they defeat Malaysia, Vietnam U17 will etch their name into Southeast Asian history.

Vietnam U17 midfielder creates buzz after 2-1 win over Australia, receiving a flood of praise.