Culture - Sports

ASEAN Cup 2026: Indonesian media see Vietnam well positioned to defend title

If the team hold on to their advantage following the 2-0 away win agaisnt Thailand, Vietnam will claim their fourth ASEAN Cup crown and further cement their status as one of Southeast Asia’s leading national teams

Vietnamese players celebrate with fans. (Photo: VNA)
Vietnamese players celebrate with fans. (Photo: VNA)

Jakarta (VNA) - Indonesian newspapers have highlighted Vietnam’s strong advantage in the race to defend their ASEAN Cup title in 2026 after a 2-0 away win over Thailand in the first leg of the final at Rajamangala Stadium on August 22.

Indonesian daily Kompas said Vietnam’s performance had significantly boosted their chance to lift the trophy. Running the headline: “The Golden Star Warriors’ chance to defend the ASEAN Cup title is wide open,” it noted that after a closely contested first half, Vietnam made the difference after the break with goals from Nguyen Hai Long and Nguyen Quang Hai. The victory at Rajamangala gives coach Kim Sang-Sik’s team a significant advantage ahead of the second leg at My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi on August 26.

Kompas remarked that changes made by coach Anthony Hudson of Thailand failed to alter the course of the match, while Le Giang Patrik continued to make crucial saves to keep a clean sheet for Vietnam.

Another Indonesian newspaper, Bola, said Vietnam were “one step away” from winning the ASEAN Cup 2026 after their victory at Rajamangala. The newspaper stressed that the 2-0 away win gave the Golden Star warriors a major advantage ahead of the return leg.

With the two-goal cushion, Vietnam need only a draw at My Dinh to secure the ASEAN Cup 2026 title.

If the team hold on to their advantage, Vietnam will claim their fourth ASEAN Cup crown and further cement their status as one of Southeast Asia’s leading national teams./.

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