Bangkok: The ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™ 2024 is all set for the decisive clash as Thailand will lock horns with Vietnam in the second leg of the Final at Rajamangala Stadium on Sunday.
Vietnam hold a 2-1 advantage coming into the match thanks to Nguyen Xuan Son’s brace, first scoring with a header and then dispossessing Chalermsak Aukkee to go on a solo run from his own half to double his team’s lead.
Chalermsak did make amends with a header off his own in the 83rd minute to give the Thais a lifeline going into the second leg match at home.
The two goals Xuan Son scored has now taken his tournament tally to a hugely impressive seven goals in just fiur appearances, in the process breaking the record to become the Vietnamese player with the most goals in a single edition of the ASEAN Championship.
Thousands rejoiced on the streets in Phu Tho and in other cities across the country to celebrate Vietnam’s first home win over Thailand in 27 years, with the last being a 3-0 semi-final triumph in Hanoi back in 1998.
However, Chalermsak's goal leaves the firmly in balance with the Thais now set to play in front of a sellout crowd on Sunday night in Bangkok.
Head coach Masatada Ishii will take the positives from the first leg, with one piece of good news being the return of Ekanit Panya, the winger making his first appearance of the tournament. It comes on the back of another key player, Supachok Sarachat, also recently making his return as the squad has been significantly bolstered with the duo’s presence.
The War Elephants' star player of the campaign Suphanat Mueanta once again came off the bench to make a telling contribution, providing the assist for Thailand’s goal and the fans will now be hoping that he has fully recovered from his fever to start in the second leg.
There will be no dearth of support in the away section as football tourism has hit its peak following the first leg with hundreds of Vietnamese supporters booking all-inclusive Thailand tours in a dream to see their nation lift the trophy on Thai soil.
This will be the first ASEAN Championship Final to be held at the Rajamangala Stadium since 2016 when 48,000 fans witnessed Siroch Chatthong hit a double as Thailand saw off Indonesia for their fifth title.
Will Thailand turn it around for a hat-trick and make it a record-extending eighth title or will Vietnam emerge as ASEAN champions for the 3rd time? Sunday will provide all the answers with the backdrop of Bangkok.
Thailand vs Vietnam, Final 2nd Leg
Venue: Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok
Kick-off: 5 January, 8:00 PM (Local Time)
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