Reaction of Malaysia's coach to the SEA Games draw results, with special remarks about U22 Vietnam

"We recognize this group is highly competitive, especially facing Vietnam – the reigning AFF Cup 2024 champions. Nevertheless, this will not prevent us from striving to perform at our best in this tournament.

"Most of Laos' players were also part of the squad that recently competed in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers against Malaysia.

"Our immediate goal is to secure a place in the semifinals, then target the final match.

"Our plan is to start centralized training at the end of November, hoping to assemble the strongest team to represent the country at this SEA Games."

— Remarks from Malaysia U23 coach Nafuzi Zain on the men's football draw for the 2025 SEA Games, taking place from December 3 to 18 in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

In men's football, Vietnam is placed in Group B along with Malaysia and Laos. The tournament features 10 teams divided into 3 groups: Groups A and B have 3 teams each, while Group C has 4 teams. Teams were seeded based on past results and hosting rights, including Thailand (host, code A1), Indonesia, Vietnam (group 1); Myanmar, Malaysia, Cambodia (group 2); Timor Leste, Philippines, Laos (group 3); and Singapore (group 4).

Teams will play a single round-robin format; the three group winners and the best second-placed team will advance to the semifinals. This edition continues with the U22 player rule (players born on or after January 1, 2003), with no slots for overage players.

According to the schedule, the group stage will be held from December 3 to 12, semifinals on December 15, and both the bronze medal match and the final on December 18. The three stadiums selected for the tournament are Rajamangala (Bangkok), Tinsulanonda (Songkhla), and the 700th Anniversary Stadium (Chiang Mai), with Rajamangala hosting the semifinals and final.