Vietnam to take on Malaysia in decisive game in AFC U-23 qualifiers

March 26, 2015 | 09:12

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Vietnam target a win over hosts Malaysia during their game on March 27 in the qualifiers of the 2016 AFC U-23 Championship to grab the chance for a ticket to advance at the tournament.

The Vietnamese were drawn in Group I with Japan, Malaysia, and Macau.

Two days after taking on Malaysia, Vietnam will play Japan before meeting Macau on March 31.

The qualifiers kicked off on March 23 and will end on March 31.

The AFC U-23 qualifiers have 43 football teams divided into 10 groups.

According to the rules, the 10 teams who top their group will advance to the finals in Qatar next year.

They will be joined by five second-placed squads who have the best result during the qualification round.

With Japan expected to easily win the group, both Vietnam and Malaysia are aiming to advance as the best second-ranked team.

“Those who win the coming match will secure about 30 percent to advance to the latter round of the tournament,” said Malaysian defender Nazirul Naim.

Despite playing on home ground, he admitted Malaysia and Vietnam have an equal chance to win the game.

Ahead of the Asian qualifying round in Malaysia, Vietnam U-23s played several friendlies, including a 1-0 victory over Indonesia, a goalless draw with Uzbekistan U-23s, and a 3-1 win over Thailand U-23s.

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