Vietnam defeated Thailand 3-2 (5-3 on aggregate) in the second leg of the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 final on January 5, securing their third title at Rajamangala National Stadium. Thailand, trailing 2-1 from the first leg, needed a victory by at least two goals to claim the championship but fell short despite a determined performance.
The first half saw Vietnam take an early lead through Nguyen Quang Hai, only for Thailand to equalize with a brilliant strike from Benjamin Davis. In the second half, Supachok Sarachat put Thailand ahead 2-1, leveling the aggregate score at 3-3. However, a red card for Weerathep Pomphan reduced Thailand to 10 men, and an own goal by Pansa Hemviboon in the 81st minute handed Vietnam the advantage. Nguyen Hai Long sealed the match with a stoppage-time goal during a counterattack.
Vietnam's victory marks their third AFF Championship title, following wins in 2008 and 2018. Thailand, the defending champions with a record seven titles, missed the chance to extend their dominance despite a valiant effort on home soil.