PHNOM PENH: Thailand will take on Vietnam in the decisive battle of this year’s AFF Under-23 Championship 2022 after each team overcame their respective opponents in a contrasting fashion at the Morodok Techo National Stadium.
While Thailand faced little difficulty in disposing of Laos 2-0 in the first semifinal, Vietnam was stretched all the way in the second semifinal before they were able to beat Timor Leste 5-3 in the penalty shootout after both teams were tied scoreless.
Thailand dominated the early exchanges and after some near misses, they finally prised open the lead in the 15th minute through Teerasak Poeiphimai, who pounced on a loose clearance from Laos keeper Phounin Phounin.
The Thais then doubled their advantage just seven minutes into the second half when Kroekphon Arbram converted a penalty after Thawatchai Inprakhon was felled inside the box.
Laos’ best chance of the game was off Visith Bounpaserth, whose attempt in the 54th minute came off the crossbar.
Vietnam were made to toil for their place in the final this year after they were pushed to the full 120 minutes by a resilient Timor Leste side.
And in the ensuing penalty shootout, Vietnam emerged victorious 5-3.
Both teams put up a high-paced entertaining brand of football with Nguyen Trung Thanh and Vo Nguyen Hoang leading the attack for Vietnam while for Timor, Freitas played as the target man in the counterattack.
However, in spite of the chances created, it failed to produce the goal to separate both teams as the game went into extra time.
And in the penalty shootout, the miss by Jhon Oliveira gave the advantage to Vietnam with Ngyuyen Thanh Nhan then making sure of the win by sending Timor keeper Junildo Pereira the wrong way for the win.
AFF U23 CHAMPIONSHIP 2022
SEMIFINALS
RESULTS
24 February 2022
Laos 0-2 Thailand
Timor Leste 0 (3) – 0 (5) Vietnam
FIXTURES – Morodok Techo National Stadium
26 February 2022
1600hrs (3rd & 4th): Laos vs Timor Leste
1930hrs (FINAL): Thailand vs Vietnam
