NDO – Vietnam will compete against hosts Thailand for a slot in the title match of the 2022 AFF Futsal Championship after the latter cruised to overall top spot in Group A following a 4-2 victory over Malaysia on April 6.

Coach Pham Minh Giang’s side thrashed Australia 5-1 on Wednesday to strengthen their lead in Group B with seven points and a goal difference of +10. However, two hours later, Myanmar demolished Timor Leste 10-3 to become the group winners, beating Vietnam into second place.

In Group A, ahead of their last matchday yesterday, Thailand and Indonesia both had seven points but the hosts provisionally secured the top position on goal difference (+29 compared to +16).

Indonesia crushed Cambodia 11-2 to take top spot but lost it shortly thereafter as Thailand overcame Malaysia 4-2.

As Group B runners-up, Vietnam will play Group A winners Thailand in the last four, while the remaining semi-final clash will be between Myanmar and Indonesia.

Both matches are due to take place on April 8.

The 2022 AFF Futsal Championship also serves as a qualification tournament for the 2022 AFC Futsal Asian Cup, with three qualifying places to be awarded to the best three teams. This means Pham Minh Giang’s side will have to beat Thailand or at least secure the bronze medal in order to qualify for the continental championship.

Throughout their eight meetings so far (from 2005 to 2018), Vietnam have defeated the Thais only once.