Thailand’s hopes of reclaiming the regional title slipped away in Hanoi on Wednesday night as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Vietnam in the second leg of the Asean Hyundai Cup 2026 final, losing 4-2 on aggregate.
Coach Anthony Hudson insisted his side deserved more than defeat, arguing that the War Elephants had produced the better football across the two legs.
“I felt the players deserved more out of the two games,” he said. “We were the better team, particularly in the first half tonight when we played some fantastic football and created chances. My biggest disappointment is not getting these guys over the line because we nearly turned the tie around.”
Thailand twice led at the My Dinh National Stadium as they chased the three-goal margin required to overturn the 2-0 first-leg deficit. But own goals from goalkeeper Chatchai Bootprom and defender Wanchai Jarunongkran, coupled with a missed penalty by Kakana Khamyok, proved decisive.
Hudson’s squad selection had been questioned before the tournament, which marked its 30th anniversary, with critics pointing to his blend of youth and experience from the domestic league.
However, the Englishman defended his choices, saying: “At the beginning everyone said: what is this squad you’re picking, they’re not going to get out of the group. I’m proud of what the players did because they proved people wrong. We were so close tonight — the missed penalty was a momentum shift.”
The defeat was Thailand’s second successive final loss to Vietnam. They have so far made 12 appearances in the title showdown of the regional championship, winning seven of them.
Hudson drew encouragement from the emergence of younger players, notably striker Yotsakon Burapha, who won the adidas Rising Star award.
“We’ve seen a lot of young players come through who are exciting and talented. They showed tonight they can handle big games. That’s a big positive for the national team going forward,” said the English coach.
Yotsakon himself reflected on missed opportunities.
“It was a pity we had chances to get ahead and then many more but could not take them. Every player gave his best. When we led I still believed we could come back but we could not make it. We will go back, improve ourselves and return stronger,” he said, while congratulating Vietnam on their victory.
Thailand returned home yesterday and will now regroup for the Fifa Asean Cup 2026, which will be staged in Indonesia and Hong Kong from Sept 24 to Oct 5.
The competition will feature a two-division format, with a reported prize pool of US$4 million and $1 million on the offer for the Premier Division champions.
Thailand have been drawn in Group B alongside Vietnam, the Philippines and Pakistan, while hosts Indonesia face Malaysia, Singapore and Bangladesh in Group A.
Hudson acknowledged the disappointment but looked ahead. “We have around six weeks to prepare for the next tournament. Tonight was close, but the future is bright,” he said.