Vietnam took a slender lead in the 2024/25 AFF Championship final, defeating Thailand 2-1 in the first leg at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho Province on Thursday. A clinical second-half performance from the Gold Star Warriors, highlighted by a brace from Nguyen Xuan Son, set up a tantalizing decider in Bangkok this Sunday.
After a goalless opening half, Xuan Son broke the deadlock in the 59th minute with a well-placed header before adding a spectacular solo goal in the 73rd minute, capitalizing on a defensive mistake. Chalermsak Aukee redeemed himself for that error with a late goal in the 82nd minute to keep Thailand firmly in the contest heading into the second leg.
Despite Thailand commanding 68% possession, Vietnam’s ruthlessness in front of goal made the difference. The hosts managed nine shots on target—three times as many as Thailand—proving they could make the most of their opportunities even with less of the ball.
Xuan Son set the tone just a minute into the match, dispossessing Thailand high up the pitch and surging toward goal, immediately unsettling the Changsuek’s defense. Though his early effort led to a corner rather than a goal, it underscored Vietnam’s intent. The striker, already the tournament’s top scorer, continued to be a thorn in Thailand’s side, coming close with a powerful shot that the goalkeeper saved comfortably.
Vietnam’s high press and energetic play unsettled Thailand early on, with Vu Van Thanh’s half-volley flashing just wide in the ninth minute. Thailand eventually tested Nguyen Dinh Trieu in the 13th minute, with Ekanit Panya’s shot following a brilliant diagonal ball from Suphanan Bureerat, but the Vietnamese goalkeeper was up to the task.
The first half ended 0-0, with Vietnam recording ten shots to Thailand’s six, despite the visitors’ dominance in possession. Both sides struggled to turn second-ball opportunities into clear-cut chances, leaving the deadlock intact at halftime.
The second half began with Vietnam on the front foot, as they enjoyed more possession and continued to press Thailand’s defense. The breakthrough finally came in the 59th minute when Quang Hai delivered a pinpoint cross from the right. Van Thanh rose to head the ball back across the box, allowing Xuan Son to nod it home from six yards out, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Thailand responded with urgency, and Patrik Gustavsson came close to equalizing just three minutes later, but his left-footed effort sailed over the bar. Vietnam made them pay for the missed opportunity in the 73rd minute when Xuan Son doubled the lead. Seizing advantage of an Aukee error at the halfway line, he charged toward goal and unleashed a precise shot into the bottom corner, capping a sensational individual performance.
Thailand refused to go down without a fight, pulling a goal back in the 82nd minute. Aukee, looking to make amends for his earlier mistake, met a looping ball from deep with a glancing header that found the back of the net. His subdued celebration suggested relief rather than joy, but the goal ensured Thailand remains in contention.
The 2-1 scoreline means Thailand must replicate their comeback heroics from the semifinal against the Philippines if they are to claim their third consecutive AFF Championship and fifth title in six editions.
Vietnam, meanwhile, will take confidence from their defensive solidity and attacking threat as they prepare for the second leg in Bangkok.