Suzuki Cup: Malaysia ousts Vietnam after scoreless draw

There will be a new champion in the AFF Suzuki Cup this year. The Malaysian football team made sure of that after battling reigning titlist Vietnam to a scoreless draw in the second leg of their semifinals match Sunday at the My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi. Forced to score at least two goals to level the 2-0 arrears in the first leg semis, the Vietnamese could only display their aggressiveness, but it wasn't enough to overcome their goal deficit against the Malaysians, who advanced into the championship round. Malaysia awaits the winner between the Philippine Azkals and Indonesia. Indonesia edged the Philippines, 1-0, in the first leg. Malaysia held its ground against an all-out Vietnamese side, which couldn’t pierce the defense of its visiting rival. The host team invaded the box about 20 times, but found itself unsuccessful in making a goal. Vietnam showed a gallant effort, even when it was forced to play with only 10 players after midfielder Thanh Luong was booked the second time and had to leave the field in the 72nd minute. - KY, Rey Joble, GMANews.TV