Coach Hoàng Anh Tuấn answers questions from reporters. — Photo tuoitre.vn

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam are ready to face defending champions Malaysia in its first match of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) U18 Championship tomorrow.

The game will be held at Thống Nhất Stadium in HCM City.

“Việt Nam won’t take it easy on our hometurf. We will try our best to enter the final,” said coach Hoàng Anh Tuấn at the press conference in HCM City on Monday.

Việt Nam are in the "group of death", Group B, which includes Australia and Thailand – two of the strongest sides in the tournament – as well as Cambodia, Singapore and Malaysia.

“Việt Nam have had more than one month to prepare for the event," said Tuấn. "We met difficulties as my players were busy in the National Second Division Tournament and busy graduating from high school. However, now I am satisfied with how my team is prepared."

“For Việt Nam, the result with Malaysia is not very important," he added. "We will focus on developing young players. But we will make every effort to have the best achievement.”

“We will play the first match with the hosts so we will play with all our hearts,” said coach Sentikhuma of Malaysia.

Today, Group A matches will begin with Indonesia taking on the Philippines; Laos playing Myanmar and Timor Leste meeting Brunei. All three matches will be held at Bình Dương Stadium. — VNS