In their opening game on March 25, Malaysia defeated Nepal 2-0 at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, which holds 40,000 spectators. But for the crucial home clash against Vietnam, the team will return to Bukit Jalil, a venue that has both scale and atmosphere.

Malaysia national team CEO Rob Friend expressed confidence that the stadium’s size and energy will give his side a competitive edge in this important match.

The Malaysia national team’s official website said they hope that supporters will flood the stadium in a sea of black and yellow, the team’s traditional colors.

“Back to our fortress. An exciting clash against Vietnam awaits,” wrote Malaysian.

The New Straits Times also emphasized Bukit Jalil’s significance, stating that the stadium’s electric atmosphere could help Malaysia overcome “one of the strongest teams in Southeast Asia.”

In Group F, Vietnam and Malaysia are considered direct rivals for the sole qualifying spot to the 2027 Asian Cup. Vietnam currently top the group after a dominant 5-0 win over Laos, while Malaysia trail with a 2-0 victory against Nepal.

Between 2018 and 2021, the Vietnam–Malaysia rivalry was fierce under coaches Park Hang-seo and Tan Cheng Hoe. However, Vietnam have since established dominance, defeating Malaysia 3-0 in both the 2020 and 2022 AFF Cup (now ASEAN Cup) group stages.

Malaysia are undergoing a rebuilding phase, adding more mixed-blood players into the team, in hopes of closing the gap with regional powerhouses like Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia. Their new coach, Peter Cklamovski, has acknowledged Vietnam’s superior pace and quality.

Bukit Jalil in southern Kuala Lumpur opened in 1998 and is the largest stadium in Southeast Asia and the fourth largest in Asia, with a capacity of 85,500. Only India’s Narendra Modi Stadium (132,000), North Korea’s Rungrado May 1st Stadium (114,000) and Qatar’s Lusail Stadium (88,966) are larger.

Known as a “cauldron” for its crazy atmosphere, Bukit Jalil is home to the passionate Ultras Malaya, widely considered one of the most passionate football supporter communities in Asia. These fans create an intimidating atmosphere by chanting, singing and waving flags non-stop throughout matches.

Vietnam’s last trip to Bukit Jalil was for the first leg of the 2018 AFF Cup final, which drew a staggering 88,482 spectators. Despite taking a 2-0 lead, Vietnam allowed Malaysia to claw back to a 2-2 draw amid a thunderous atmosphere that left players unable to hear instructions from the coaching staff.

Since 1991, Vietnam have faced Malaysia 23 times, winning 15, drawing three and losing five. Vietnam’s last defeat was a 2-4 loss in the 2014 AFF Cup semifinals at Hanoi’s My Dinh Stadium. Since then, Vietnam have won six matches and drawn once.