Indonesian daily Kompas said Viet Nam’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, Viet Nam 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.

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Vietnamese players celebrate with fans.

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 Viet Nam.

Another Indonesian newspaper, Bola, said Viet Nam 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, Viet Nam need only a draw at My Dinh to secure the ASEAN Cup 2026 title.

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

Source: VNA