Vietnam moved within touching distance of another ASEAN Hyundai Cup title after defeating Thailand 2-0 in the first leg of the 2026 final at Rajamangala National Stadium, Bangkok.
The Golden Star Warriors absorbed significant pressure during the first half before producing a ruthless second-half performance, with Nguyen Hai Long and Nguyen Quang Hai finding the net to give Vietnam a commanding two-goal advantage ahead of the return leg.
Thailand, ranked 94th in the world, created several opportunities but were repeatedly denied by Vietnam’s defence and goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang.
Vietnam entered the final ranked 99th in the world after eliminating Malaysia in the semi-finals, while Thailand had overcome Singapore to reach the championship decider.
Anthony Hudson selected an aggressive starting lineup featuring Yotsakon Burapha, Teerasak Poeiphimai, Kakana Khamyok and Seksan Ratree.
Vietnam produced the first opportunity after six minutes when Nguyen Xuan Son collected the ball on a counter-attack and fired towards goal, but Thailand goalkeeper Kampon Pathomakkakul gathered comfortably.
Thailand then began to create the more dangerous chances.
In the 20th minute, Kakana turned inside the penalty area before setting up Teerasak, whose first effort was blocked. Chaiphon Adthod followed up but sent his effort wide.
Thailand continued to press. In the 28th minute, a flowing move ended with Seksan firing from the edge of the box, but the shot drifted wide.
Two minutes later, Thailand came agonisingly close. Seksan unleashed a powerful right-footed effort from distance, only to see the ball crash against the crossbar and bounce away.
Vietnam responded in the 33rd minute when Do Hoang Hen released Nguyen Dinh Bac, but his effort lacked power and was comfortably saved by Kampon.
Thailand almost broke the deadlock again in the 36th minute. A loose ball fell to Yotsakon inside the box, but Le Giang produced an excellent save to push the effort behind.
The hosts then had another opportunity four minutes before half-time when Teerasak released Yotsakon through on goal, but the forward dragged his left-footed finish wide.
Despite Thailand’s promising attacking play, the first half ended 0-0.
Thailand continued pushing after the interval. In the 50th minute, Sarach Yooyen delivered a corner which was only partially cleared. The ball fell to Warit Choolthong, whose shot was deflected off Nattapong Sayriya and went behind.
But Vietnam soon delivered the decisive blow. In the 62nd minute, the visitors launched a rapid counter-attack.
Nguyen Dinh Bac produced a clever backheel into the path of Nguyen Hai Long, who finished clinically to give Vietnam a 1-0 lead.
Thailand now faced a completely different situation. They needed to find a response while Vietnam became increasingly dangerous in transition.
Seven minutes later, Vietnam struck again. Do Hoang Hen delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area, and Nguyen Quang Hai met it with a superb first-time volley.
The goal gave Vietnam a significant advantage and placed enormous pressure on Thailand ahead of the second leg.
Thailand responded with a double substitution in the 74th minute, bringing on Patrik Gustavsson and Picha Autra for Seksan Ratree and Yotsakon Burapha.
Kakana then tried to pull Thailand back into the contest in the 80th minute, cutting inside before firing with his left foot, but his effort was blocked.
One minute later, Hudson made another double change, introducing Wanchai Jarunongkran and Worachit Kanitsribampen for Usama Tiengkham and Teerasak Poeiphimai.
Thailand continued searching for a goal, but Vietnam’s defence remained organised.
Vietnam almost extended their lead in the 86th minute. Nguyen Dinh Bac collected possession before turning and unleashing a long-range right-footed effort.
The ball beat Kampon but struck the crossbar and bounced away. It was the final major chance of the night.
Vietnam held firm through the closing minutes to secure a 2-0 away victory.
The result gives Vietnam a significant advantage heading into the decisive second leg.
Thailand now need to overturn a two-goal deficit in Vietnam to prevent the defending champions from retaining their ASEAN crown.
For the War Elephants, the first leg will be particularly frustrating given the number of opportunities created before half-time.
Vietnam, meanwhile, demonstrated exactly why they entered the final among the favourites: patience, defensive organisation and clinical finishing when their opportunities arrived.
The second leg will take place on 26 August 2026 at 9:00 PM Malaysian time at My Dinh National Stadium, Hanoi.
Credit Photo : FA Thailand
