On the evening of August 26, the Vietnamese team drew with Thailand 2-2 at My Dinh Stadium, thereby winning the overall victory 4-2 after two legs. This result helped coach Kim Sang-sik's team win the ASEAN Cup for the 4th time and successfully defend the championship for the first time.
In the post-match report, the AFC homepage emphasized that the ability to stand firm against pressure and take advantage of decisive moments is the factor that helped the Vietnamese team overcome the opponent.
Thailand entered the game with high determination after losing 0-2 in the first leg in Bangkok. The away team quickly put pressure and scored the opening goal in the 12th minute, thereby rekindling hopes of reversing the situation.
Despite being under pressure at many times in the first half, the Vietnamese team still created dangerous opportunities. Nguyen Xuan Son had a header that hit the crossbar, while Thailand continuously missed opportunities to increase the gap.
According to AFC, the turning point of the match came right at the beginning of the second half. Thailand was awarded a penalty after Kakana Khamyol was fouled in the penalty area. If they scored, the away team would equalize the gap after two legs and open up opportunities to create a comeback.
However, Kakana shot the ball over the bar.
Just 3 minutes later, the Vietnamese team immediately took advantage of the opponent's mistake. Phan Tuan Tai made a pass from the left wing for Do Hoang Hen to finish. The ball bounced off the post and then touched Chatchai Bootprom's heel before going into the net, helping the Vietnamese team equalize 1-1.
AFC believes that this situation shows the difference in bravery between the two teams. Thailand had a very clear opportunity but could not take advantage of it, while the Vietnamese team immediately punished the opponent's mistake.
After the equalizer, Thailand continued to push up the squad. The Vietnamese team also had another chance when Nguyen Hai Long hit the post. The away team persistently attacked and in the 84th minute, Wanchai Jarunongkran launched a dangerous shot into the low corner of the goal, helping Thailand once again take a 2-1 lead.
The final minutes were dramatic when Thailand tried to protect the advantage, while the Vietnamese team sought an equalizer. In the last seconds, it was Wanchai Jarunongkran who put the ball into his own net, helping the Vietnamese team equalize 2-2.
According to AFC, the own goal at the last minute extinguished Thailand's hopes and closed the final with a total score of 4-2 in favor of Vietnam.
After winning the championship in 2024, the "Golden Star Warriors" continue to win the ASEAN Cup 2026. AFC assesses the 2-0 victory at Thailand's home ground in the first leg as an important foundation to help the Vietnamese team create an advantage and successfully defend the throne.
