Steve Darby analyzes shift in Southeast Asian football power

Steve Darby, an English football expert, analyzes the potential power shift in ASEAN football — from Vietnam and Thailand to Indonesia and Malaysia.

This perspective emerges after Malaysia stunned Vietnam with a decisive 4-0 victory in the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers at Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur — ending the dominance of Kim Sang-sik’s team.

Malaysia’s new strength is evident through their naturalized players’ contributions. Two goals were scored by their naturalized talents:

• Joao Figueredo – Brazilian-born player currently representing Basaksehir in Turkey’s top league
• Rodrigo Holgado – striker of Argentine descent