Vietnam seals ASEAN Cup final berth with 2-0 win over Malaysia

Forward Nguyen Xuan Son came off the bench to score both goals as Vietnam finished off the tie after taking a 2-0 advantage from the first leg.

The hosts controlled much of the opening half and created a series of chances, but Malaysia goalkeeper Muhammad Azri repeatedly denied them.

Nguyen Dinh Bac, Doan Van Hau and Nguyen Quang Hai all threatened, while Hoang Hen missed one of Vietnam’s best opportunities just before halftime when his attempted chip went over the crossbar.

Malaysia, despite needing goals to overturn the deficit, largely sat deep and looked to counterattack.

Malaysia showed more attacking intent after the break and came close in the 53rd minute, but Vietnam goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang produced two consecutive saves, including one from a powerful Paulo Josue volley.

Vietnam head coach Kim Sang Sik introduced Xuan Son and Nguyen Tai Loc in the 58th minute, and the substitution quickly paid off.

Just four minutes later, Hoang Duc broke down the left and sent the ball into the penalty area.

Truong Tien Anh’s initial shot was blocked by Faris, but Xuan Son reacted quickest to tap home from close range and put Vietnam 1-0 ahead.

The striker continued to trouble Malaysia’s defense, forcing another save from Azri in the 76th minute before missing a one-on-one opportunity 10 minutes later.

Xuan Son eventually struck again in the 89th minute, using his strength to get past a Malaysian defender before firing the ball through Azri’s legs to seal the 2-0 win.

The brace took Xuan Son to five goals at this year’s tournament and 12 goals overall in ASEAN Cup competition.

Vietnam’s 2-0 victory in the return leg completed a 4-0 aggregate win and secured their place in the 2026 ASEAN Cup final, where they will face Thailand.