BANGKOK: Two-time champions Vietnam secured the ASEAN Cup after defeating defending champions Thailand 3-2 in the second-leg final of the 2024 ASEAN Championship, achieving a 5-3 aggregate victory at Rajamangala Stadium last night.
Despite trailing 1-2 from the first leg, Thailand started strongly, determined to overturn the deficit. However, Vietnam struck first when midfielder Pham Tuan Hai lobbed the ball past Thai goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai in the eighth minute, silencing the home crowd.
Thailand responded with increased intensity, creating several opportunities through Suphanat Mueanta and Benjamin James Davis. Their efforts paid off in the 28th minute when Davis capitalized on a defensive error to curl the ball past Vietnam’s goalkeeper Nguyen Dinh Trieu, leveling the score.
Vietnam suffered a setback in the 33rd minute when star striker Rafaelson Fernandes, also known as Nguyen Xuan Son, was stretchered off due to a leg injury.
Both teams played cautiously in the second half, but Thailand’s Supachok Sarachat delivered a brilliant goal in the 64th minute, tying the aggregate score.
However, Thailand’s momentum was disrupted when Weerathep Pomphun received a second yellow card in the 74th minute, leaving the hosts with 10 men.
Vietnam capitalized on their advantage, forcing an own goal by Thai defender Pansa Hemviboon in the 82nd minute.
The Golden Dragons secured the win in extra time when Nguyen Hai Long slotted the ball into an empty net, following a desperate all-out attack by Thailand.
