Defending Champions Vietnam Hit Seven as Lions Leave it Late
CHONBURI, Thailand - The regional heavyweights wasted no time stamping their authority on the ASEAN Championship Hyundai Cup™ 2026 opener. Defending champions Vietnam laid down a devastating marker in Group A, cruising to a comprehensive 7–0 destruction of Timor-Leste at the Chonburi Municipality Stadium. Meanwhile, it was a completely different flavor of drama over in Phnom Penh, where Singapore survived a hostile atmosphere to edge out Cambodia 2–1 with a spectacular late highlight.
Kim Sang-sik's side issued a ruthless statement of intent to anyone eyeing their throne. The Golden Star Warriors put on a masterclass in clinical attacking football, entirely overwhelming Timor-Leste right from the kickoff whistle. Dynamic forward Nguyễn Đình Bắc turned the pitch into his personal playground, bagging a brilliant hat-trick to lead the charge. Brazil-born striker Đỗ Hoàng Hên made an instant impact by netting twice, while 2024's leading scorer Nguyễn Xuân Son and veteran star Nguyễn Quang Hải also found the back of the net to compile the misery on José Pedro's side. Vietnam's relentless offensive output saw them carry a comfortable 5–0 cushion into the halftime break before coasting through the second half to wrap up the tournament's first three points in emphatic style.
Over at the Morodok Techo National Stadium, the match was a grueling, tightly contested war of attrition. The Lions broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute when forward Shawal Anuar clinical finish quieted the passionate home crowd. However, the Angkor Warriors fought back bravely in front of their fans, pushing Singapore to the absolute limit and managing to equalize in the second half. Just as the match appeared to be heading towards a frustrating stalemate, Singapore's rising star Ilhan Fandi etched his name into tournament folklore. Connecting with a cross late in the game, Ilhan unleashed a breathtaking, spectacular scissors-kick that flew past the keeper to seal a vital 2–1 victory for Tsutomu Ogura's squad.
The high-stakes action returns rapidly on Monday, July 27, 2026, as Singapore returns home to the Jalan Besar Sport Centre to face a wounded Timor-Leste side, while tournament giants Indonesia prepare to kick off their campaign against Cambodia.