BANGKOK (23 August 2026) – Defending champions Vietnam will take a 2-0 lead over Thailand into the second leg of the ASEAN Hyundai Cup™ 2026 final after substitutes Nguyễn Hai Long and Nguyễn Quang Hải scored twice in seven second-half minutes in the first leg in Bangkok on Saturday.
Hai Long put Kim Sang-sik’s side ahead with a clinical finish in the 62nd minute and Quang Hải’s volley seven minutes later doubled Vietnam’s advantage ahead of the return clash in Hanoi on Wednesday.
“It was a very tough game, but a very important win for us before the game at home, so we are very happy,” said Vietnam goalkeeper Patrik Lê Giang, who was named the Hyundai Player of the Match.
“I need to give credit to the whole team because we sacrifice a lot, we run and we fight till the end. And most important, we stick together always.
“I’m happy I didn’t concede the goal, but most important for me always is that we won. Of course, every single goalkeeper in the world is happy when they have a clean sheet, so I’m happy for another one.”
The result came despite the home side dominating much of the opening hour, with Anthony Hudson’s outfit made to regret several missed opportunities late in the first half.
The Thais had sought to neutralise Vietnam’s ability on the flanks to stifle the pace and creativity of Kim’s side and the defending champions were limited to a pair of hopeful long-range attempts by Nguyễn Xuân Son that caused few concerns for Kampon Phatomakkakul.
It was the hosts who, as the first half wore on, looked the more likely to break through. Yotsakon Burapha’s 20th minute shot was blocked while Chaiyaphon Otton’s follow-up was blasted off target.
Eight minutes later Yotsakon took aim again, this time firing over the bar while moments later, Seksan Ratree went even closer but with the same outcome as his shot cleared the target.
Vietnam’s attack had largely been neutered by Thailand’s defensive diligence but with 12 minutes left in the half, Nguyễn Đình Bắc, the tournament’s joint top goalscorer, should have put his side ahead.
Đỗ Hoàng Hên’s cutback from the right found the 22-year-old in position 14 yards from goal to pick his spot but he mishit the shot and the ball trundled through to a grateful Kampon.
The game had come to life after a cautious opening and Patrik prevented his side from going behind in the 36th minute, keeping out a Yotsakon effort that was destined for the top corner after a series of defensive errors by the visitors.
Yotsakon then squandered the best opening of the first 45 minutes, firing over the bar with a first-time left foot strike with only Patrik to beat after being played in behind the Vietnamese defence by Teerasak Poeiphimai.
