ASEAN Cup 2026: Thailand Secures Spot in the Final

A significant advantage from their 3-1 win in Singapore in the first leg helped the "War Elephants" withstand the pressure from the visiting team.

Under coach Anthony Hudson, Thailand continued to display a pragmatic style of play and quick transitions. Meanwhile, Singapore was forced to push forward in search of at least two goals, creating an engaging match with several moments of significant pressure on the home team's goal.

The game was played on a waterlogged pitch following a heavy rain. In the first 10 minutes, Thailand controlled the game better, but from around the 25th minute, Singapore began to push higher.

In the 32nd minute, Ratree broke free on the right flank and put the ball into Thailand's net, but the goal was disallowed for offside. In the 43rd minute, Song Ui Young had a favorable chance inside the box, but his shot went straight into the hands of goalkeeper K. Phatomakkakul.

In the 45th minute, Singapore finally opened the scoring. From a long pass by Nakamura, the Thai goalkeeper rushed out to clear but the ball bounced to Harhys Stewart. The player immediately fired into an empty net, giving Singapore a 1-0 lead and reducing the aggregate to 2-3.

In the second half, Thailand actively sought an equalizer. In the 55th minute, Ratree had a chance inside Singapore's box but mishandled his first touch. By the 60th minute, Thailand was awarded a penalty after Stewart fouled Jarunongkran. Kakana Khamyok converted successfully, leveling the match at 1-1 and extending Thailand's aggregate lead to 4-2.

Singapore quickly responded. In the 65th minute, from a chaotic situation following a corner kick, Ryhan Stewart shot from a tight angle, and the ball deflected off Pansa's leg into the net, making it 2-1 for the visitors and reducing the aggregate to 3-4.

In the following minutes, Singapore continued to increase the pressure. In the 68th minute, Thailand's Teerasak Poeiphimai broke free on the left flank and unleashed a powerful shot that hit the post. In the 78th minute, Song Ui Young beat two Thai players but his shot was off target. Two minutes later, Teerasak had another chance but couldn't beat the Singapore goalkeeper.

In the final minutes, Singapore threw everything forward in search of an equalizer, while Thailand focused on preserving their advantage. The home team held firm under pressure and did not allow any further goals.

Ultimately, Thailand won 4-3 on aggregate over two legs, thereby securing a place in the final of the ASEAN Cup 2026. The "War Elephants" made good use of the advantage they built in the first leg to survive a tense chase on home soil.