The title decider of the 15th edition of Southeast Asia's premier football competition is almost upon us as Vietnam are set to face off against familiar foes Thailand in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™ 2024 Final.
It’s a repeat of the 2022 final where the two met in the title clash with Thailand coming out on top 3-2 on aggregate. While the War Elephants are eyeing an unprecedented hat-trick of titles to make it their eighth championship overall, Vietnam are seeking their third title as they look to avenge the disappointment from the previous edition.
The two-legged final will kick off on January 2 with Vietnam hosting the first leg at the Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho, before they travel to Bangkok for the return fixture on January 5.
ASEAN United FC shines the spotlight on six players – three from each finalist – who could make the difference in the showpiece event.
Nguyen Xuan Son (Vietnam)
He may not have featured at the start of Vietnam’s campaign, but Nguyen Xuan Son has played a crucial role in guiding the Golden Star Warriors to their second consecutive ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™ Final and is currently the tournament’s top scorer with five goals to his name.
The Nam Dinh FC forward is the talk of the town after he made history by becoming the first naturalised player to score for the Vietnam national team in an official tournament. In their final group stage match against Myanmar, the striker immediately proved his worth with a stellar performance, scoring two goals and providing two assists on his debut.
The 27-year-old followed it up by scoring Vietnam’s second in the semi-final first leg against Singapore and netting another brace in the return leg. With Xuan Son now leading the Golden Star Warriors’ dominant attacking force, the Thai defence will have their work cut out to stop the in-form striker.
Suphanat Mueanta (Thailand)
At just 22 years old, Suphanat Mueanta has taken the competition by storm. A generational talent who has already emerged into one of Southeast Asia's best players, Suphanat has quickly announced himself as Thailand’s main man, turning in a series of dazzling displays to lead their charge to the final.
No player has more goal involvements in the tournament than the young forward, who not only has bagged four goals but also produced four assists in just five starts for the defending champions. His winner in extra-time against the Philippines in his most recent outing earned him his fourth Man of the Match award - a truly remarkable return in his first taste of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™.
And now, the War Elephants will be hoping that Suphanat recovers in time from his fever and takes them across the finish line towards a record-extending eighth title.
Nguyen Tien Linh (Vietnam)
Though not a regular starter for Vietnam in the competition, Nguyen Tien Linh has grabbed the recent opportunities he has been handed by head coach Kim Sang-sik with both hands, with the prolific striker currently on four goals and two assists.
When called upon, he was able to prove his importance to Vietnam on several occasions, most notably in the group stage when he opened his account against Laos, followed by another goal against Myanmar in their comprehensive 5-0 win, and his two goals off the bench against Singapore in the semi-finals are a testament to his influence on the Golden Star Warriors.
In the presence of Nguyen Xuan Son, Tien Linh might still be used as a super sub in the final, however he will be hoping his form brings him a start as his side hunts for their third ASEAN Championship title.
Patrik Gustavsson (Thailand)
Filling Teerasil Dangda's shoes, the ASEAN Championship’s top scorer of all time, was always going to be tough but Patrik Gustavsson has been in exceptional form leading the line, with the 23-year-old’s pace, skill and clinical finishing creating havoc for opposing defences throughout the tournament.
The Swedish-born striker is firmly in the race for the Golden Boot, having scored four goals and provided two assists. Most of his contributions have come in critical junctures, with his winner against Malaysia in the group stage proving crucial. His finish against Singapore three days later kickstarted Thailand’s comeback from 2-0 down before his semi-final goal against the Philippines also turned the tide in Thailand’s favour.
The forward will have fresh memories of facing Vietnam, having been on target against them on his debut in a 2-1 win in September 2024, as the young sensation looks to help the War Elephants claim an unprecedented hat-trick of titles.
Nguyen Hoang Duc (Vietnam)
The anchor of the Vietnam midfield in the last couple of years, Nguyen Hoang Duc’s passing and authority in the middle of the park makes him an indispensable part of the Golden Star Warriors.
The 27-year-old’s brilliant pressing of the goalkeeper in the semi-final second leg against Singapore, coupled with the dazzling dribbling to leave two Singaporean defenders in his wake before setting up Nguyen Xuan Son, effectively put the game to bed and was a prime example of his all-round play.
Having been on the losing side in last edition’s final, Hoang Duc will be hoping to win his maiden and Vietnam’s third ASEAN Championship title having initially broken into the team a year after the Golden Star Warriors won the 2018 edition.
Supachok Sarachat (Thailand)
Despite having only made two appearances in the competition, star winger Supachok Sarachat, who plays his club football for Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo in Japan, could well have an integral role in the final.
Brother of Suphanat, he is one of the squad’s most experienced players having featured against Vietnam in the semi-finals back in the 2020 edition, and head coach Masatada Ishii will lean on his experience and know-how in the final.
With his expected inclusion on the left wing, the War Elephants’ attacking force which already consists of the likes of Patrik Gustavsson and Suphanat Mueanta, should pose threats from all sides for the Vietnamese defence. The stage could be set for one of Thailand's most talented stars to turn on the style when it matters most.
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