After goaless draw in 120 minutes, Malaysia failed to defend the Merdeka Cup after going down 5-6 in penalty shout out at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil yesterday. Malaysia center back, Nur Hafiz Zamani shoot was denied by Vietnamese goalkeeper Bui Tan Truong.

With 18 goals scored with none conceded during group stage, the Malaysians were immediate to score but the goal by Indra Putra Mahayuddin in the 7th minute was lined offside.

Malaysia best chance comes in the 25 minute when skipper Mohd Syukor Adan headed the ball straight into the arms of Vietnamese goalkeeper. Half time ended with 0-0 score.
Before second half kick-off, Malaysia head coach B. Sathiananthan replaced midfielder Mohd Hardi Jaafar with Mohd Ashaari Samsuddin. However, Malaysia still unable to break Vietnamese defense. Thirty minutes of extra time also failed to generate a winner.

The 30,000-strong home crowds were left disappointed when there were no goals to show in open play.

Malaysia's dream of defending the Cup ended after defender Norhafiz Zamani Misbah failed to convert his spot kick when tied at 5-5.
Mai Tien Thanh was Vietnam's hero when his spot kick defeated Malaysian goalkeeper Mohd Helmi Eliza Elias.

The Vietnamese who lifted their first Merdeka Cup since 1966 returned with USD 10,000 while Malaysia received USD5,000.