HÀ NỘI — The Việt Nam Football Federation (VFF) has invited the 2008 AFF Cup-winning Vietnamese squad to watch the second leg of this year’s final between Việt Nam and Malaysia on Saturday at Mỹ Đình National Stadium.

According to Cao Văn Chóng, deputy chairman of the VFF, the VFF invited all members of the 2008 champions, including the coaching staff.

Chóng said it is the VFF’s way to show its gratitude to the former champions and it will also drive today’s Việt Nam team to play better in the final.

Việt Nam won the AFF Cup for the first time in 2008 under the guidance of Portuguese head coach Henrique Calisto. The team beat Thailand in the final. 

In the first leg of this year’s final, Việt Nam drew 2-2 with Malaysia away, putting the Vietnamese within striking distance of their second AFF Cup victory.

To serve fans for the upcoming game, the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has put into action an extra 3,700 seats on 14 flights between HCM City and Hà Nội to serve southern football fans who want to cheer on the national team.

To save time before flights, passengers are advised to check-in in advance via online websites, mobile applications, or at check-in desks at Tân Sơn Nhất and Nội Bài airports.

Together with normal and additional flights for the first leg semi-final and final matches, Vietnam Airlines has added nearly 7,000 seats on 31 flights from the beginning of the AFF Cup to present. — VNS