Vietnam were crowned the 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup winners after securing a 1-0 win over Malaysia in the second leg of the final in Hanoi on Saturday.
The Harimau Malaya already had a mountain to climb going into the match, having drawn 2-2 in Tuesday's first leg to give Vietnam a two-away-goal advantage, and it got harder after just five minutes.
Nguyen Anh Duc struck a side-footed volley past Malaysia goalkeeper Farizal Marlias to give the Golden Dragons a 3-2 aggregate lead, but it was not without any controversy.
Nguyen Quang Hai, who set up the goal, was seemingly in an offside position, but the flag stayed down.
Despite the setback, Tan Cheng Hoe's men continued to attack and had several chances to equalise, but Vietnam goalkeeper Dang Van Lam was at his best to deny them everytime.
The night got worse for Malaysia with Shahrul Saad being sent off in the final minute of injury time.
Vietnam held on for the win and their second AFF crown since last winning it in 2008.
The Harimau Malaya already had a mountain to climb going into the match, having drawn 2-2 in Tuesday's first leg to give Vietnam a two-away-goal advantage, and it got harder after just five minutes.
Nguyen Anh Duc struck a side-footed volley past Malaysia goalkeeper Farizal Marlias to give the Golden Dragons a 3-2 aggregate lead, but it was not without any controversy.
6' GOAL! Vietnam lead! 1-0!
— FOX Sports LIVE! (@FSAsiaLive) December 15, 2018
And it's the returning Nguyen Anh Duc who puts the Golden Dragons ahead after some good play down the wings!
Vietnam lead 1-0 on the night, and 3-2 on aggregate. #AFFSuzukiCup18 #WearYourPride #VIEvMAS pic.twitter.com/yfbyzylKFd
Nguyen Quang Hai, who set up the goal, was seemingly in an offside position, but the flag stayed down.
Despite the setback, Tan Cheng Hoe's men continued to attack and had several chances to equalise, but Vietnam goalkeeper Dang Van Lam was at his best to deny them everytime.
54' Save!
— FOX Sports LIVE! (@FSAsiaLive) December 15, 2018
Van Lam with another save to deny Safawi Rasid. The Malaysian winger testing his opponent from a free kick. #AFFSuzukiCup18 #WearYourPride #VIEvMAS pic.twitter.com/cPaSPOUH9p
The night got worse for Malaysia with Shahrul Saad being sent off in the final minute of injury time.
Vietnam held on for the win and their second AFF crown since last winning it in 2008.
