Thailand Loses to Vietnam in AFF Cup Final First Leg
Thailand lost 2-0 to defending champion Vietnam in the first leg of the AFF Cup 2026 final at Rajamangala Stadium on August 22, with substitute Nguyen Hai Long scoring twice in the second half to give the visitors a decisive advantage befor
Thailand created multiple first-half chances but suffered a breakthrough from Vietnam's quick counterattack, losing at home and reducing their hopes of winning the 2026 AFF Cup. The opening leg of the AFF Cup 2026 final took place on August 22 at Rajamangala Stadium, where Thailand faced defending champions Vietnam. Head coach Anthony Hudson selected goalkeeper Kampol Padamaorakkul, defenders Nattapong Sairee, Manuel Tomeyer, Seksarn Ratree, and captain Sarachai Uyeyen, midfielders Kkhana Khamyok and Yoskorn Borapha, and forwards Waris Chutong, Ousamah Tiengkham, Teerasak Phoypimai, and Chaiyapol Aditpohn. In the first half, both teams played cautiously, avoiding aggressive attacking play and relying instead on capitalizing from opponents' mistakes with quick counterattacks. Thailand had opportunities from long-range shots by Seksarn Ratree that hit the crossbar and Yoskorn Borapha's effort that was saved by Vietnam's goalkeeper, before the first half ended in a 0-0 draw. In the second half, substitute Nguyen Hai Long shot from close range in the penalty area in the 62nd minute to put Vietnam ahead 1-0. That was not enough as Nguyen Hai Long struck again in the 69th minute to extend Vietnam's lead to 2-0 and secure a decisive advantage before the return match. The second leg of the AFF Cup final will be played at Thong Nhat Stadium in Hanoi, Vietnam, on August 26 at 8:00 p.m.
