Nguyễn Xuân Son scores twice as defending champions complete a 4-0 aggregate victory and set up a final rematch against Thailand.
HANOI: Defending champions Vietnam booked their place in the Asean Hyundai Cup 2026 final after a 2-0 victory over Malaysia in the second leg of their semifinal at Mỹ Đình National Stadium on Wednesday secured a 4-0 aggregate triumph.
Substitute Nguyễn Xuân Son proved the difference for Kim Sang-sik’s side, scoring in the 62nd minute before adding a second goal a minute from time to seal Vietnam’s passage into a repeat of the 2024 final against Thailand.
Vietnam dominated much of the contest in front of a sell-out crowd but were repeatedly denied by Malaysia goalkeeper Azri Ghani, who produced a series of impressive saves to keep the visitors in the game. Nguyễn Đình Bắc, Đoàn Văn Hậu and Nguyễn Quang Hải all came close as the hosts searched for a breakthrough.
Malaysia’s resistance finally ended shortly after the hour mark when Xuân Son capitalised on a loose ball in the penalty area following an initial effort from Trương Tiến Anh. The goal rewarded Vietnam’s relentless pressure after creating numerous chances throughout the match.
Azri continued to frustrate the home side with several more saves, including denying Xuân Son from close range. However, the Brazil-born striker eventually grabbed his second goal in the 89th minute after driving into the penalty area and finishing confidently past the Malaysian goalkeeper.
Vietnam head coach Kim Sang-sik praised his players for improving on their first-leg performance despite having limited preparation time between matches. He also expressed his delight at guiding the reigning champions back to another final.
The victory sends Vietnam into the Asean Hyundai Cup final against Thailand, while Xuân Son moved level with teammate Nguyễn Đình Bắc as the tournament’s joint-leading scorer with five goals. The final will be a rematch of the 2024 championship decider as Vietnam chase back-to-back regional titles.
