In their first appearance at the tournament, Vietnamese players advanced to the final after beating Laos 3-2 in the semi-final on October 28.
In the clash for the top title with hosts Malaysia at Teluk Chempedak beach, the host team was cheered by home fans as it scored the opener. They netted two more goals to lead 3-0 in the first half, while the guests were still unable to challenge Malaysia’s goalie.
However, thanks to changes in the second half, the players, under coach Dang Quoc Hung, scored four continuous goals to reverse the result making it 4-3 for Vietnam. Bui Tran Tuan Anh contributed a hat trick for Vietnam in the match.
The rekindled hope for a victory was extinguished shortly thereafter as Malaysian players scored another three goals to make it 6-4.
Thailand beat Laos 4-1 to secured third place.
Vietnam striker Tuan Anh was the top scorer of the event, with a total 15 goals.
The first beach soccer championship for Southeast Asia gathered eight teams, including Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and invited team Malaysia’s Federal Land Development Authority FC in Group B.
The top two teams at the AFF championship qualify for the Asian Championships organised by the Asian Football Confederation in April next year.
After the AFF event, Vietnam team will take part in the Asian Beach Games in Thailand in November.
