Vietnam Beat Thailand 2–0 to Take Control of ASEAN Cup 2026 Final

Vietnam coach Kim Sang-sik reshaped his attack in the 58th minute, bringing Nguyễn Hai Long on for Rafaelson. The substitution paid off almost immediately.

In the 62nd minute, Hoàng Đức sent a long pass toward Nguyễn Đình Bắc. The forward produced a clever backheel to open space behind Thailand’s defence, allowing Hai Long to run through and finish clinically for a 1–0 lead.

The goal shifted the momentum. Vietnam were no longer simply absorbing pressure; they began finding room behind Thailand’s back line and attacking with greater purpose.

Quang Hải doubles Vietnam’s lead with a volley

Seven minutes after the opener, Vietnam struck again during a rapid transition. Đỗ Hoàng Hên supplied the ball from the right, and Nguyễn Quang Hải met it on the move with a superb volley to beat goalkeeper Kampol and make it 2–0.

The two quick goals completely changed the contest. Thailand had been the more dangerous side before halftime, but Vietnam proved far more efficient when the decisive moments arrived. Both goals also came from players introduced during the match, underlining the impact of Kim Sang-sik’s changes.

Lê Giang provides the foundation

Had Thailand converted its early opportunities, the final could have taken a very different turn. Lê Giang prevented that scenario with a series of crucial saves, including his interventions against Burapha.

He remained decisive late on, saving a dangerous effort from Waris in the sixth minute of stoppage time to preserve Vietnam’s clean sheet and the 2–0 victory.

Lê Giang’s display earned him the Player of the Match award.

What the result means for the second leg

The second leg will be played on Wednesday, August 26, at Mỹ Đình National Stadium in Hanoi. After losing 2–0 at home, Thailand must win by at least two goals to level the aggregate score. Vietnam, meanwhile, will take a substantial cushion into the home fixture and can focus on protecting its advantage.

The tie is not over. Thailand showed in the first half that it can generate sustained pressure, while Vietnam will need the same defensive concentration and counterattacking efficiency in Hanoi. The first leg has given the defending champions control of the final—but the trophy will be decided over the remaining 90 minutes at Mỹ Đình.