Malaysia winger Pavithran Gunalan believes the Harimau Malaya must produce a huge performance to upset defending champions Vietnam in Sunday’s first-leg semifinal.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia winger Pavithran Gunalan knows the Harimau Malaya must give “200 percent” if they are to upset defending champions Vietnam in the first leg of the Asean Hyundai Cup 2026 semifinal at Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium on Sunday.
The 21-year-old is aware Vietnam will start as favourites as they target a third consecutive final, but Pavithran believes Malaysia can rise to the occasion in front of an expected full house before the return leg in Hanoi next Wednesday. “If they give 100 percent, we have to give 200 percent to win this game,” he said.
Pavithran has been one of Malaysia’s standout performers in the tournament, earning two Hyundai Player of the Match awards. He also scored the winning goal against the Philippines last week, heading home his first senior international goal to confirm Malaysia’s return to the knockout stage after missing out in 2024.
The JDT winger credited his teammates and coaches for his breakthrough performances, stressing that discipline and teamwork have been key to Malaysia’s progress. His rise began in Taiping, where he played football with his father and brothers before joining a national football development programme at the age of 10.
Pavithran joined the Johor Darul Ta’zim FC Academy at 13 after impressing in selection trials, leaving home at a young age to pursue his football dream. He said his parents, particularly his mother, made major sacrifices to support his development, including taking him to training by motorcycle regardless of the weather.
Malaysia face a major challenge against Vietnam, having won only one of their last six meetings in the tournament, with five defeats and one draw.
Vietnam also defeated Malaysia 3-2 on aggregate in the 2018 final and enter the semifinal after scoring 13 goals in the group stage, the most of any team.
However, Pavithran remains confident under interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe, who has encouraged him to trust his ability on the ball. The winger also revealed former Malaysia star Safawi Rasid is an inspiration, particularly because both are left-footed wingers.
Singapore will host Thailand in the other first-leg semifinal at Jalan Besar Stadium on Saturday.
