Jakarta:Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today encouraged the Harimau Malaya team as they prepare for their third-place play-off against Vietnam in the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, urging them to deliver their best performance.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar expressed his support through a Facebook post, asking the team to "fight with full spirit and give your best for the pride of the badge on your chest." He assured the team that Malaysians stand behind them and hoped the match would not extend into extra time.

Malaysia is set to play against Vietnam at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta at 5 pm Malaysian time. The final between Indonesia and Thailand will take place at the same venue later that evening at 8 pm.

The Malaysian team recently defeated Singapore 6-0 in their last Division One Group A match at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung. However, despite the victory, it was insufficient for Malaysia to reach the final. Both Malaysia and Indonesia ended the group stage with seven points and a goal difference of plus nine, but Indonesia advanced to the final due to having scored more goals, totaling 11 compared to Malaysia's nine.

Indonesia secured their spot in the final after a decisive 9-2 victory over Bangladesh and will compete against Group B winners Thailand for the championship.