The deadlock at Rajamangala Stadium was finally broken in the 89th minute. Substitute midfielder Le Van Thuan started the play from the left flank, passing to Nguyen Dinh Bac, who used his pace to bypass defender Noah Leddel before releasing the ball to Nguyen Phi Hoang. The left-back then delivered a precise cross to the near post. Van Thuan arrived just in time, leaping high to head the ball past a Philippine defender and into the near corner.
Overjoyed, Van Thuan took off his shirt and sprinted toward the corner flag for a passionate celebration.
The goal shattered the Philippines' hopes of forcing extra time and opened the door wide to the final for Vietnam.
Philippines had to push higher in search of an equalizer and left gaps at the back. Vietnam capitalized almost immediately.
After earning a free kick near the box on the left, substitute Nguyen Thanh Nhan (number 22) took a right-footed shot that bounced off the pitch and into the far bottom corner, leaving goalkeeper Nicholas Guimaraes no chance.
Thanh Nhan (R) sprinted toward Stand A to celebrate with the Vietnamese fans and his teammates rushed to embrace him. Kissing the flag on his jersey, the 22-year-old striker clenched his fists and let out a scream. After the game, he said the goal lifted a huge pressure off his shoulder after a long goal drought at the national team.
When the final whistle blew, Philippine players collapsed onto the field. Many were in tears, devastated at falling short after a historic run.
Vietnam players, including Nguyen Hieu Minh and Dinh Bac, were seen comforting midfielder Sandro Reyes after the match.
This was the Philippines' first appearance in a SEA Games semi-final since 1991, and they had played well until fatigue set in.
Ultimately, coach Kim’s substitutions proved the difference, with both goalscorers, Thanh Nhan and Van Thuan, coming off the bench.
The victory marks a significant milestone for coach Kim. He has now guided Vietnam teams to the finals of three major regional tournaments consecutively: the 2024 ASEAN Cup, the 2025 ASEAN U23 Championship and now the SEA Games. He is on the verge of becoming the first coach to win all three major titles in Southeast Asia in a year.
