Who will score for the Vietnam national team against Malaysia?

Dinh Bac tops Vietnam's goal tally at the 2026 ASEAN Cup, yet the performances of the remaining strikers indicate that Kim Sang Sik has numerous choices to create an impact versus Malaysia in the semifinal first leg.

After the group stage of the 2026 ASEAN Cup, Vietnam has scored many goals with contributions from both the forward line and the second tier. However, facing a Malaysia side considered significantly tougher, the key question now is who will lead the attack and find the net for Kim Sang Sik's squad.

Dinh Bac is the most promising candidate

With five goals, Dinh Bac is Vietnam's top scorer in the tournament so far. The striker scored three against Timor-Leste and two against Cambodia. However, both of these opponents are at the bottom of Group A and have not been serious tests.

Notably, Dinh Bac failed to score in the matches against Singapore and Indonesia. Those were games where Vietnam's attack struggled more against organized defensive systems.

Therefore, the semifinal against Malaysia offers Dinh Bac a chance to prove his goal-scoring ability is not limited to weaker opponents. With his speed, wide movement, and diverse finishing skills, the striker is expected to continue being Vietnam's most dangerous weapon.

If Dinh Bac can break the pattern and score against Malaysia, it will be the clearest affirmation of his current form.

Other options for coach Kim Sang Sik

Besides Dinh Bac, Xuan Son remains the most anticipated name. The striker has only two goals, against Timor-Leste and Indonesia. This is not yet the powerful, explosive version of Xuan Son that Vietnamese fans expect, but his class and ability to make a difference remain a special weapon.

Hoang Hen also has two goals, both coming in the match against Timor-Leste. After that standout performance, he has struggled to regain his scoring touch. Hoang Hen did not even start against Indonesia and was not used against Cambodia due to health reasons. If fully recovered, he remains a notable option upfront.

Tai Loc has yet to score in the tournament. His most notable contribution was a shot that hit the crossbar in the 0-0 draw with Singapore. His wide-ranging movement and pressing ability could be useful in a match where Vietnam needs to break down Malaysia's defense.

In the second line, Hai Long has scored one goal and made an impact after starting two consecutive matches. His ability to penetrate the box and shoot from midfield makes him a surprise option.

Van Vi also has one goal and is particularly dangerous when pushing forward from his left wingback position. Frequently appearing in the box, he could become the "third man" infiltrating Malaysia's defense when the strikers are marked.

In addition to the names mentioned above, coach Kim Sang Sik also has Hoang Duc, Quang Hai, and Truong Tien Anh. All of them are capable of creating moments of brilliance and could put their names on the scoresheet.

Against Malaysia, Vietnam will likely face a much more organized defense than in the group stage. Therefore, the goal could come from any position.