Vietnam were crowned ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 champions after securing a 4-2 aggregate victory over Thailand despite being held to a thrilling 2-2 draw in the second leg of the final at My Dinh Stadium on Wednesday night.
Thailand arrived in Hanoi needing to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit, and Anthony Hudson’s side made the perfect start by scoring early to bring the aggregate score back to 1-2.
But Vietnam responded after the break and ultimately held their nerve to retain their regional crown.
The result confirmed Vietnam as ASEAN champions, while Thailand finished the tournament as runners-up.
With a two-goal deficit to overcome, Thailand started aggressively.
Hudson handed Chatchai Budprom the goalkeeper’s gloves, while the attacking lineup featured Yotsakon Burapha, Seksan Ratree, Kakana Khamyok and Teerasak Poeiphimai.
The visitors got their reward in the 12th minute. Nattapong Sayriya lifted the ball forward, and a loose touch from Seksan fell perfectly for Yotsakon.
The young Thai forward made no mistake, firing a right-footed finish into the net. Vietnam 0-1 Thailand.
The goal reduced Vietnam’s aggregate advantage to just 2-1, immediately giving Thailand renewed belief.
Seksan continued to threaten from distance, firing over in the 17th minute before trying another long-range effort after a corner was cleared in the 30th.
Thailand again went close in the 37th minute when Teerasak headed the ball into Seksan’s path, but his resulting shot missed the target.
Vietnam eventually created their best opening of the first half in the 42nd minute.
Phan Tuan Tai delivered a dangerous cross towards Nguyen Xuan Son, whose header struck the post and bounced away.
Thailand survived the scare and nearly extended their lead just before half-time.
Yotsakon produced a clever backheel for Kakana, who raced onto the ball and fired with his left foot, but the shot found the side-netting.
At half-time, Thailand led 1-0 on the night, but Vietnam still held a 2-1 aggregate advantage.
Thailand were handed a golden opportunity to level the tie in the 48th minute.
Kakana was brought down inside the penalty area following a challenge from Pham Xuan Manh, and the referee pointed to the spot.
Kakana stepped up to take the penalty. But the Thai youngster sent his effort over the crossbar.
It was a huge missed opportunity. Only four minutes later, Vietnam punished Thailand. In the 52nd minute, Phan Tuan Tai delivered a cross into the penalty area.
Do Hoang Hanh met it with a shot that struck the post before ricocheting off Thailand goalkeeper Chatchai Budprom and into the net.
More importantly, the aggregate score moved to 3-1 in Vietnam’s favour.
Thailand now needed three more goals to overturn the tie. Vietnam continued to threaten and nearly added another in the 69th minute when Nguyen Hai Long struck the post from a free-kick, with Nguyen Quang Hai firing the rebound wide.
Thailand responded with a double substitution in the 70th minute, bringing on Pokklaw Anan and Jehanahfi Mama for Yotsakon and Seksan.
Pokklaw almost made an immediate impact. In the 75th minute, he delivered a dangerous pass into Kakana’s path, but Kakana’s right-footed effort flew wide.
Their persistence finally paid off in the 85th minute. Wanchai Jarunongkran reacted quickly to a long ball, won possession and fired past the Vietnam defence. Vietnam 1-2 Thailand.
The aggregate score was now 3-2, meaning the final was suddenly alive again. Hudson made his final substitution in the 88th minute, sending Patrik Gustavsson on for Teerasak.
Thailand pushed everyone forward in search of the goal that would force extra time.
But Vietnam produced the decisive moment deep into stoppage time. Three minutes into added time, Wanchai attempted to clear the ball inside his own penalty area. Instead, the ball deflected into his own net. Vietnam 2-2 Thailand.
The goal pushed Vietnam’s aggregate lead back to 4-2 and effectively ended Thailand’s comeback hopes.
The final whistle confirmed a dramatic 2-2 draw, but more importantly a 4-2 aggregate victory for Vietnam.
Credit Photo : VFF
