Vietnam defeated Thailand 3-2 in a thrilling match at Bangkok's Rajamangala Stadium on January 5 to clinch the third ASEAN Cup title.

Vietnamese players and the coaching staff celebrate their third ASEAN Cup trophy. Photo: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times

Vietnam took an early lead in the 8th minute with a skillful finish by striker Pham Tuan Hai.

Thailand responded with two goals from Ben Davis in the 28th minute and Supachok Sarachat in the 64th minute, turning the score to 2-1 in their favor. Controversy arose when Thailand's second goal was scored after Vietnam had played the ball out to attend to an injured player, expecting fair play from their opponents.

Striker Pham Tuan Hai (number 10) enjoys his opening goal of the match. Photo: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times

The match's intensity escalated when Thai player Weerathep Pomphan received a second yellow card in the 75th minute, reducing Thailand to 10 men. Vietnam capitalized on this advantage, equalizing in the 82nd minute due to an own goal by Thai defender Pansa Hemviboon.

In stoppage time, midfielder Tran Hai Long secured Vietnam's victory with a long-range shot into an empty net, sealing the 3-2 win.

The controversial goal by Thailand in the 64th minute. Photo: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times

After the two legs, the final score was 5-3 for Vietnam. This triumph marks Vietnam's third ASEAN Cup championship, following victories in 2008 and 2018.

The team's performance was met with jubilation from fans, both in the stadium and across the nation, celebrating a hard-fought and emotionally charged victory over a longstanding regional rival.

Vietnamese national flags fly at Bangkok's Rajamangala Stadium. Photo: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times

Despite challenges, including a significant injury to key player Nguyen Xuan Son in the 33rd minute, the Vietnamese team demonstrated resilience and determination, culminating in a historic win that will be remembered as one of their most remarkable achievements in Southeast Asian football.

Captain Nguyen Duy Manh receives the Most Valuable Player of the tournament on behalf of striker Nguyen Xuan Son (number 12). Photo: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times

"This victory belongs to the entire team. We fought hard and delivered an excellent performance, encouraging each other to fight for the pride of our nation," striker Pham Tuan Hai told reporters after the match. Hai also initiated the move that led to Thailand's own goal.

"Xuan Son's injury was unfortunate, but during the break, our teammates and coach motivated one another to battle on for those who couldn’t continue and bring the trophy home to Vietnam," he said.

"We are incredibly grateful to the Vietnamese fans. Your support means the world to us and is the greatest gift to the team."

This victory has filled the hearts of all Vietnamese people with immense joy. It marks the first championship in a new era – an era of the Vietnamese nation's powerful resurgence, standing tall on the world stage.

Hanoi's streets tonight are filled with joy and jubilance as football supporters celebrate the historic victory.

As soon as the match was over, millions of Vietnamese football fans flocked out on the streets to celebrate the victory. Photo: Van Trong/The Hanoi Times

People cheered and enjoyed the championship with everything they had. Photo: Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times

Red, the theme color of the Vietnamese, covered the streets in the night. Photo: Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times

A man held a banner high in his hand to say "Vietnam vo dich". Photo:

The vehicles, the people filled every street, every overpass, honking at each other to demonstrate their happiness following the victory. Photo: Van Trong/The Hanoi Times