Hanoi (VNS/VNA) -The upcoming Group A match with Malaysia in the ASEAN Federation Football (AFF)Suzuki Cup 2018 will be a tough test for Vietnam, according to Vietnamesestriker Nguyen Anh Duc.

The match will be held at Hanoi’sMy Dinh National Stadium on November 16.

Duc said the Malaysian playershave good skills and better physical strength than Vietnam, so Vietnam will bevery careful.

Malaysia and Vietnam are twocandidates to top the qualifying round. Vietnam currently sits third in thegroup with three points, while Malaysia is top with six. But Vietnam has onlyplayed one match – a 3-0 win against Laos – while Malaysia played twice,beating Cambodia 1-0 and Laos 3-1.

Duc, who plays at the club levelfor Becamex Binh Duong, scored a goal in the match with Laos in Vientiane. Hewas named one five of the most impressive performers from theopening round of matches by foxsportsasia.com.

Amidst the fluidity of Vietnam’sattacking play, the 1.82m Duc provides a focal point and will be hoping to putaway the many chances that are bound to fall his way throughout the tournament.

At the AFF Cup 2014, under theguidance of Japanese coach Toshya Miura, Vietnam beat Malaysia 2-1 away butlost 2-4 at My Dinh Stadium.

“Malaysia is a strong teamphysically and technically,” said expert Doan Minh Xuong. “Vietnam should notrush its play. Malaysia may try to play by erasing their rival’s strengths.Suitable tactics could lead to a Vietnamese win.”

Vietnam is training hard in Hanoito prepare for the game. Captain Nguyen Van Quyet and midfielder Nguyen Tien Dunghave recovered from their light injuries and are training with their teammates.

“We need to prepare carefully interms of psychology and tactics,” said Vietnam’s head coach Park Hang-seo. “Weneed to control the ball better than in the match with Laos,”

Park told the-afc.com that he does not have muchinformation about Malaysia but still needs to take three points from the match.With Malaysia three points ahead of Vietnam in the group, Park said his teammust win the match to keep pace.

He also said that excitementsurrounding the AFF event is increasing. Each match will be difficult, and thematch with Malaysia will feel like a final.

The Vietnam Football Federationworked with the Hanoi Police and My Dinh Stadium’s organising board to ensuresecurity for the match. The organising board will prevent fans from bringingflares into the stadium.

Vietnam is seeking their secondAFF Cup title after emerging champions in 2008.-VNA