KUALA LUMPUR: National youth captain Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili admitted his team are devastated after not achieving their target of reaching the Under-23 Asean Championship final.
The Young Tigers were thrashed 4-1 by Vietnam in the semi-finals in Rayong, Thailand, on Thursday.
However, E. Elavarasan's side are determined not to return empty-handed from the tournament.
They will face Thailand in the bronze playoff on Sunday.
"We are disappointed (with the semi-final result). However, we want to return to Kuala Lumpur with a medal. Finishing third is also an achievement," said Ubaidullah on Friday.
"The coach will drill us accordingly in training before the match against Thailand. We must work harder to win a bronze."
Vietnam will face Indonesia, who overcame Thailand 3-1, in the semi-finals, in Sunday's final.
Commenting on the defeat to Vietnam, Elavarasan said his players did not follow the (tactical) plan.
"We did not play our usual game, especially in the first half, against Vietnam.
"I brought on new players for the second half, but it was too late as Vietnam were already ahead by three goals," said Elavarasan.
However, Elavarasan said his team's priority is the Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers in Chonburi, Thailand, next month.
Malaysia are in Group H with hosts Thailand, Bangladesh and the Philippines.
They will open their campaign against Bangladesh on Sept 6, followed by the Philippines (Sept 9) and Thailand (Sept 12).