Holders Vietnam secure two-goal lead over Thailand in ASEAN Championship final

Vietnam claimed a 2-0 win over Thailand in Bangkok on Saturday as the defending champions gained the upper hand in the first leg of the ASEAN Championship final through second-half goals from Nguyen Hai Long and Nguyen Quang Hai.

Hai Long put Vietnam ahead in the 62nd minute with a clinical finish before Quang Hai's volleyed finish on the run seven minutes later gave them a two-goal cushion ahead of the return in Hanoi on Wednesday.

"It was a very tough game but a very important win for us before the game at home, so we are very happy," said Vietnam goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang.

"I'm happy I didn't concede a goal but most important for me, as always, is that we won."

The Thais had stifled Vietnam throughout the opening 45 minutes and should have gone in front when Yotsakon Burapha fired over the bar when clean through on goal.

Anthony Hudson's side were to rue that miss 17 minutes into the second half as Doan Van Hau's long pass out of defence was controlled by Nguyen Dinh Bac, who back-heeled the ball into the path of Hai Long who slotted home.

Seven minutes later the Vietnamese doubled their lead when Do Hoang Hen's curling delivery from the right found Quang Hai running in towards the far post and he volleyed past Kampon Phatomakkakul.

Vietnam are attempting to win the title for the fourth time and complete their first back-to-back successes in the regional competition.