Malaysia’s striker Adman scored the opener before Vietnamese forward Dinh Bao put through an equalizer. But the offside-trap exhausted the Vietnamese and created the opportunities needed for Malaysia’s two more goals.

In other action at the tournament, Laos’ U23s beat Thailand’s U21s 3-0.

In the first round, Vietnam drew 2-2 with Laos’ U23s while Thailand’s U21s drew Malaysia’s U21s by the same margin.

Vietnam’s U19 team coach Ha said Lao’s U23 players would be a big challenge at the SEA Games this December in Laos. He said Vietnam’s U23 team should be careful if they face the hosts at that event.

U23 squads from Laos, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysian had originally signed up for the Pre-SEA Games tournament but Thailand decided to send its U21s at the last minute, prompting Vietnam and Malaysia to do the same.

Reported by Lan Phuong