BANGKOK: 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.
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 visitors 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, with Chaiyaphon Otton’s follow-up blasted off target.
Eight minutes later, Yotsakon aimed 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 should have put his side ahead.
Đỗ Hoàng Hên’s cutback from the right found the 21-year-old in position 14 yards from goal to pick his spot but he mishit the shot and the ball trundled through to Kampon.
The game came to life after a cautious opening and Patrik Lê Giang, who was named the Hyundai Player of the Match, 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.
Thailand were to rue those misses 17 minutes after the interval as Hudson’s side went behind.
Đoàn Văn Hậu’s ball from deep in defence was gathered by Đình Bắc and, after holding off the defence, the forward back-heeled possession into the path of Hai Long, who expertly slotted his low shot to the left of the exposed Kampon.
In the 69th minute, the Vietnamese doubled their lead spectacularly, Hoàng Hên curling his cross towards the far corner of the six-yard box with Quang Hải’s volley giving Kampon little chance and leaving Thailand with a mountain to climb in the return.
Hyundai Player of the Match - Patrik Le Giang (#1), Vietnam
