In the first leg, Vietnam won 2-1 thanks to a double from Nguyen Xuan Son. However, a goal from defender Chalermsak Aukkee helped Thailand still have a chance in the second leg. If they win 2-0, Thailand will win the ASEAN Cup for the 8th time and the 3rd time in a row.
After what was shown at Viet Tri Stadium, coach Masatada Ishii is expected to make strong changes in all three lines in the second leg. In defense, strong-minded center-back Jonathan Khemdee is likely to pair up with Chalermsak Aukkee, replacing Pansa Hemviboon - a player who is getting older and is no longer as agile as before.
In the anchor position of the 4-1-4-1 formation, Weerathep will return to replace Akarapong, who was injured in the first leg of the final. Weerathep is an experienced player and has won the ASEAN Cup 2020 and 2022, so he will play a very important role in the second leg.
On the attacking front, Suphanat and captain Peeradon are likely to start, replacing Seksan Ratree and Ekanit Panya. In the first leg, Seksan and Ekanit did not play well. Meanwhile, Suphanat, upon entering the field, quickly made a difference with a shot that almost scored, and an assist for Chalermsak to score.
The Thai team can play an aggressive game, imposing the game on the Vietnamese team. Playing at their home stadium Rajamangala gives them a greater advantage. According to Thai media, the grass on this field is better than Viet Tri field, helping the Thai team control the ball better, and carry out high-speed, direct attacks more easily.
History is also on Thailand’s side. In the semi-finals, the “War Elephants” lost 1-2 away to the Philippines, but then won 3-1 in the return leg, earning a ticket to the final.
At the ASEAN Cup 2016, Thailand also lost 1-2 away to Indonesia. But in the return leg, they won 2-0 (3-2 on aggregate) to win the spectacular championship.
The final match between Thailand and Vietnam will take place at 8:00 p.m. on January 5 at Rajamangala Stadium.
