Kim Sang Sik outlined Vietnam's selection difficulties before the October 5 FIFA ASEAN Cup third-place match against Malaysia. According to VFF, Hoàng Hên and Tài Lộc are unavailable because of fitness problems, while Bùi Hoàng Việt Anh's muscle injury requires medical assessment. Speaking before training in Jakarta on October 4, the coach emphasised unity and asked the available players to be ready for the staff's tactical plans. Việt Anh's participation remains subject to evaluation.