Malaysia made the final of the biennial championship for the first time in 14 years following the 2-0 advantage they earned in Kuala Lumpur four days ago.

The return of Nguyen Trong Hoang gave more bite on the left flank and he made Malaysian left back Mohd Asraruddin Putra Omar work overtime to ensure his crosses did not make into the Malaysian box.
In the ninth minute, Hoang shot through a sea of legs but there were no takers at the far post.

Barely a minute later, tragedy struck for Vietnam with Phan Van Tai Em stretchered off with a suspected broken arm following a clash with Malaysia’s Mohd Safee Sali.

His replacement, Le Tan Tai, took over where he had left off and his double shot saw Malaysian goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat rise to the occasion.

Malaysia’s only chance in the first half was a curling shot from Norshahrul Idlan Talaha which narrowly missed the upright.

Vietnam did not let up on the pressure in the second half but they just couldn't seem to find a way past Khairul as he stood firm to frustrate the home team.

In the 62nd minute, Vietnam should have taken the lead but lanky striker Nguyen Viet Thang could only head Pham Thanh Luong's cross tamely into the path of Khairul.

About ten minutes later, Vietnam's frustration was complete when Luong took a dive in the box leaving the referee with little choice but to show him his second yellow card of the game.

After the game, chief coach K. Rajagobal said that although the football might not have been entertaining, they totally deserved the result.

Malaysia will meet with Indonesia who defeated the Philippines 1-0 in the second semi-final match on December 19.