ASEAN Cup 2026: Vietnam top Group A, advance to semi-finals with Singapore

Against Cambodia, Vietnam faced difficulties against the opponent's massed defensive play. The visitors even nearly took the lead in the 14th minute after a mistake by Vietnam's defense, but Samuel Bong's finish was off-target.

After a stagnant opening, Nguyen Dinh Bac made the difference. In the 18th minute, the number 9 striker dribbled past Cambodia's defense before firing a precise angled shot into the corner, opening the scoring for the hosts.

In the second half, Vietnam continued to control the game but failed to capitalize on chances to extend their lead. In the 72nd minute, Iago Fernandes equalized for Cambodia, ending Vietnam's clean sheet streak at the tournament.

However, the champions' composure showed at the right moment. In the 82nd minute, Jens Raven awkwardly scored an own goal under pressure from Vietnam's attack, before Dinh Bac completed his brace in the 89th minute with a skillful chip over the Cambodia goalkeeper, sealing a 3-1 victory.

This was Dinh Bac's fifth goal at the ASEAN Cup 2026, keeping the young striker among the top scorers of the tournament.

In the other Group A match, Indonesia faced Singapore needing a win to keep their hopes alive. After a goalless first half, Ragnar Oratmangoen put Indonesia ahead in the 48th minute.

However, the turning point came after VAR overturned a red card decision against Singapore midfielder Song Ui-young. Minutes later, a defensive mix-up between center-back Rizky Ridho and goalkeeper Cahya Supradi allowed Ilhan Fandi to score the equalizer in the 66th minute.

In the closing stages, Indonesia pushed forward but couldn't find a decisive goal. The 1-1 draw meant the archipelago team finished with only 5 points and were eliminated in the group stage.

In the final Group A standings, Vietnam topped the group with 10 points from four matches, while Singapore finished second with 8 points, both advancing to the semi-finals. Indonesia finished third, with Cambodia and Timor-Leste at the bottom of the group.

In the semi-finals, Vietnam will face the runner-up of Group B, while Singapore will take on the group's leader. These matches are expected to be exciting encounters as the tournament seeks its ASEAN Cup 2026 champion.