Vietnam defeated Singapore 2-0 in the first leg of their 2024 ASEAN Championship semifinal on Thursday evening, putting them on track for the finale.

Playing on the artificial turf at Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore, Vietnam faced stiff competition from Singapore.

Despite entering the match as the favorites, they managed to hang onto the ball for just 33 percent of the game. 

Still, they used that 33 percent to their advantage and took several shots on goal during the first half.

Bui Vi Hao had at least two good opportunities: in the 31st minute, he brought the ball into the penalty area but his shot was blocked by Singaporean goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud. Then, in the 39th minute, he stole the ball in Singapore’s half but his weak shot from distance failed to threaten the woodwork.

Naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son, making his second cap at the 2024 ASEAN Championship, also put up an impressive performance. 

He had two dangerous shots but was caught offside on both occasions.

The second half saw the game slow down, with both teams playing more cautiously and with little attacking rhythm. 

Even after striker Nguyen Tien Linh came on, Vietnam struggled to break down Singapore’s defense. 

However, Xuan Son’s persistence in pressuring the opposition paid off.

In the 83rd minute, he controlled the ball, turned, and scored a goal, but it was ruled as a handball. 

Undeterred, Xuan Son continued to press, and in added time, his pressure forced Singapore’s Shakir Hamza into handling the ball in the box.

Tien Linh stepped up and calmly converted the penalty in the 90+11th minute to give Vietnam the lead. 

Just two minutes later, Xuan Son made up for his earlier disallowed goal by scoring himself, tapping in from close range off a corner.

With a 2-0 victory, Vietnam are now one step away from the final, with the second leg to be played at home at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho Province, northern Vietnam on Sunday.

In the other semifinal, the Philippines will host Thailand at Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila for the first leg on Friday evening before traveling to Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok for the return game on Monday.

The 2024 ASEAN Championship, also known as the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup, kicked off on December 8, with the finale set for January 5. 

During the group stage, each of the ten participating teams played two home and two away matches to determine the top two teams which would advance to the semifinals. 

The semifinals and finale follow a two-legged knockout format.

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