Vietnam encountered a formidable challenge from Singapore in their 2024 ASEAN Championship semifinal first leg, with the match taking place on artificial turf at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.
Despite being favored to win, Vietnam only managed to maintain possession for 33 percent of the game. Nonetheless, they made the most of their limited opportunities, creating several goal-scoring chances in the first half.
Bui Vi Hao had two notable chances to score. In the 31st minute, he skillfully dribbled into the penalty area, but his shot was denied by Singaporean goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud. Later, in the 39th minute, he seized the ball in Singapore’s half, but his long-range effort lacked power and failed to trouble the woodwork.
Naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son, featuring in his second match of the tournament, also stood out with his impressive performance. He had two dangerous shots on goal but was flagged for offside on both attempts.
The second half witnessed a more cautious approach from both teams, resulting in a slower pace and less attacking momentum. Even with the introduction of striker Nguyen Tien Linh, Vietnam found it challenging to breach Singapore’s defense.
However, Xuan Son’s relentless pressure on the opposition eventually paid dividends. In the 83rd minute, he skillfully controlled the ball, turned, and found the back of the net, only for the goal to be disallowed for handball.
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| Striker Nguyen Tien Linh confidently takes a penalty, showcasing his composure and precision during the Vietnam-Singapore first leg of their 2024 ASEAN Championship semifinal, held on December 26, 2024. Photo: Hai Long |
Undeterred by the setback, Xuan Son persisted in his efforts, and his pressure in added time forced Singapore’s Shakir Hamza to handle the ball inside the penalty area.
Tien Linh stepped up to the spot and coolly converted the penalty in the 91st minute, putting Vietnam ahead. Just two minutes later, Xuan Son redeemed himself for his earlier disallowed goal by scoring from close range off a corner, sealing the victory.
With a 2-0 win, Vietnam is now within touching distance of the final, awaiting the second leg at their home ground, Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho Province, northern Vietnam, on Sunday.
In the other semifinal, the Philippines will face a tough challenge as they host Thailand at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila for the first leg before traveling to Bangkok for the return leg at the Rajamangala National Stadium on Monday.
The 2024 ASEAN Championship, also known as the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup, commenced on December 8 and will conclude with the highly anticipated finale on January 5. The group stage witnessed each of the ten participating teams battling it out in two home and two away matches to secure a spot in the semifinals.
The semifinals and finale are conducted in a two-legged knockout format, adding an extra layer of excitement and competition to the tournament.
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