Midfielder Hai Long made a significant impact in the first leg of the 2026 ASEAN Cup final, helping Vietnam secure a 2-0 victory over Thailand on August 22. Coming on as a substitute in the 59th minute, Hai Long scored the opening goal just three minutes later, showcasing his talent and determination.

Following his goal, Hai Long also provided an assist, delivering a precise cross-field pass to Hoàng Hên, who set up Quang Hải for the second goal, sealing the win for Vietnam. His performance earned him a rating of 7.7 from Sofascore, making him the highest-rated player in the match, surpassing teammates Quang Hải and goalkeeper Lê Giang Patrik, who both received 7.5 ratings.

After the match, Hai Long shared an emotional tribute to his late coach, Phan Thanh Hung, who passed away on August 11. He said, “I know Coach is watching over me with this goal.” Hai Long had a close relationship with Phan Thanh Hung, who mentored him during his early career at Than Quảng Ninh.

In a previous statement, Hai Long expressed his sorrow over the coach's passing, stating, “Goodbye Coach, thank you for everything.” Throughout the 2026 ASEAN Cup, Hai Long has scored two important goals, including one in Vietnam's 3-0 victory against Indonesia in the group stage and now the crucial goal against Thailand.

In the previous ASEAN Cup in 2024, Hai Long also made his mark by scoring two goals, including one in the final against Thailand. His consistent performance highlights his growth as a key player for the national team.

Fans can watch the 2026 ASEAN Cup matches live on FPT Play.