In a dramatic showdown, Vietnam emerged victorious in the ASEAN Championship, clinching their third title in history with a nail-biting 3-2 win over 10-man Thailand. This thrilling encounter took place on Sunday, January 5, in Bangkok, culminating in a 5-3 aggregate triumph for coach Kim Sang-sik's resilient team.

The match took a pivotal turn when Pansa Hemviboon scored an own goal in the 82nd minute, handing Vietnam a crucial lead. Just when hopes seemed dim for the Golden Star Warriors, Nguyen Hai Long sealed the deal with a spectacular stoppage-time goal, marking Vietnam's first championship win since 2018 and avenging their heartbreak against Thailand in the 2022 final.

Leading 2-1 after the first leg held in Viet Tri, Vietnam struck early in the match with Pham Tuan Hai finding the net in the eighth minute, effortlessly lifting the ball home after a free kick from Pham Xuan Manh resulted in a defensive error by Thailand. However, the home side responded briskly; Doan Ngoc Tan's misplaced pass allowed Ben Davis to calm the nerves of Thai fans with a brilliant strike that curled into the bottom corner, leveling the score to 1-1.

In a further twist, Supachok Sarachat propelled Thailand into the lead in the 64th minute with a stunning goal from over 25 yards, sending a scorching shot straight into the top corner of the net. This offensive barrage ignited a fiery atmosphere, culminating in Weerathep Pomphun's dismissal in the 74th minute due to a second yellow card following a reckless foul against Vu Van Thanh.

Vietnam capitalized on their numerical advantage almost immediately. Substitute Nguyen Quang Hai played a vital role, setting up Tuan Hai, whose attempt was inadvertently diverted into the net by the hapless Pansa, swinging the momentum back to Vietnam.

As the clock ticked down, Thailand's desperate attempts to defend the trophy they had held seven times nearly succeeded when Suphanan Bureerat struck the crossbar. However, it was not to be for the Thai squad. The Vietnamese side dashed any hopes of extra-time glory when Hai Long scored into an empty net deep into added time, as Thailand's goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai was left stranded at the other end.

This victory not only highlights Vietnam's prowess on the regional stage but also cements their place as a formidable force in Southeast Asian football. With this championship win, the Golden Star Warriors have reignited their footballing legacy and set their sights on future glories. Fans are eagerly anticipating how this triumph will impact the morale and performance of the team in upcoming international competitions!