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Playing at a packed Rajamangala Stadium, Vietnam overturned a two-goal first-half deficit before sealing the title with a decisive strike in extra time, capping a resilient performance against the hosts.
Thailand took early control and opened the scoring in the 20th minute through Yotsakorn Burapha, who curled a free kick from around 25 meters past goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien. The hosts doubled their advantage in the 31st minute when captain Seksan Ratree surged down the right flank and fired a long-range shot into the net to make it 2-0.
Vietnam struggled to retain possession during this period and went into halftime facing a significant challenge.
The momentum shifted immediately after the break. In the 47th minute, Nguyen Dinh Bac earned a penalty after being fouled by Thai goalkeeper Sorawat Phosaman. The Vietnam captain converted confidently from the spot, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
Vietnam continued to apply pressure and drew level in the 60th minute when a corner kick caused confusion in the Thai penalty area, leading defender Waris Choolthong to score an own goal.
The equalizer lifted Vietnam, who went close to taking the lead on several occasions, including a header from Hieu Minh that struck the post in the 72nd minute.
Despite late chances at both ends, the match remained tied 2-2 after 90 minutes, forcing extra time.
Vietnam found the breakthrough in the 96th minute. A flowing move down the left saw Dinh Bac combine with Thai Son and Van Thuan, whose shot was parried by Phosaman. Nguyen Thanh Nhan reacted quickest to tap in the rebound, giving Vietnam a 3-2 lead.
Thanh Nhan was later forced off through injury, but Vietnam held firm under late Thai pressure. Thailand committed numbers forward in the closing moments, including sending their goalkeeper up for a final corner, but Vietnam defended resolutely to protect their advantage.
After 120 minutes, the final whistle confirmed Vietnam’s 3-2 victory and their SEA Games men’s football gold medal, completing a comeback that highlighted their persistence and composure in a high-pressure final.
SEA Games men's football final: Vietnam 3-2 Thailand
