Thailand faces a disadvantage in the ASEAN Cup 2026 final after losing to Vietnam 0-2 in the first leg at their home stadium, Rajamangala. In an Instagram post on 25/6, Kiatisuk acknowledged that the return leg at My Dinh will be even more difficult, but football always holds surprises.

"To become champions, Thailand needs to beat Vietnam by a three-goal margin in Hanoi. It is not easy, but it is not impossible either", Kiatisuk stated. "There is no need to be afraid. We have nothing left to lose, so let us play our best. Anything can happen if Thailand scores an early goal".

The former coach and striker of the Thai national team, Kiatisuk Senamuang, next to the Southeast Asian Cup before Thailand's 0-2 loss to Vietnam in the first leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 final, at Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand on 22/8. *Photo: Duc Dong*

The former striker, who played and scored the most goals for the Thai national team, also predicted that Vietnam would use a similar lineup to the first leg. Brazilian-born striker Nguyen Xuan Son will continue to start despite not performing well at Rajamangala, partnering with Nguyen Dinh Bac. In midfield, Nguyen Quang Hai will replace Le Pham Thanh Long to play alongside Nguyen Hoang Duc. "The five-man defense will certainly feature familiar names, with goalkeeper Le Giang Patrik having played excellently", Kiatisuk said.

In the first leg on 22/8, Kiatisuk was chosen by the organizers to carry the Southeast Asian Cup onto the field, similar to the 2024 ASEAN Cup final second leg. He then watched the match from the stands and witnessed Nguyen Hai Long and Nguyen Quang Hai score past goalkeeper Kampol. A video from Thairath newspaper also captured Kiatisuk leaving the stadium after the match with a shake of his head, suggesting he was very disappointed. He had brought his wife and children to the stadium that day.

Kiatisuk holds the record for the most Southeast Asian titles, winning as a player in 1996, 2000, 2002 and as a coach in 2014, 2016. During his tenure leading Thailand from 2013 to 2017, he faced Vietnam twice in the second round of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, including a 3-0 victory at My Dinh Stadium. That was also the last time Thailand won by a three-goal margin against Vietnam.

Meanwhile, Vietnam's most recent defeat was also against Thailand, with a score of 1-2, in a friendly match in 9/2024. After that, coach Kim Sang-sik's squad went unbeaten in 25 matches, including 22 wins.

Kiatisuk also has a deep connection with Vietnam, having played for HAGL from 2002 to 2006, winning two V-League championships in 2003 and 2004. Subsequently, the former striker, born in 1973, coached HAGL from 2020 to 2024, then moved to Cong an Ha Noi before departing in 5/2024.

The 53-year-old coach is ready to return to professional football and is listening to offers from clubs. Football expert Bebangkapong suggests that "Zico Thai"—Kiatisuk's nickname—is suitable for the position of Technical Director of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) due to his extensive connections, which could help national teams connect and develop again.

In 2012, Thailand was surpassed by Singapore in the number of Southeast Asian titles. The FAT then appointed Kiatisuk to lead a talented generation of players including Theerathon Bunamthan and Chanathip Songkrasin, immediately yielding results with two consecutive AFF Cup championships, restoring Thailand's position as the number one team in the region. However, he could not lead Thailand to greater international success, leading to strained relationships with FAT officials at the time.

The developments of Thailand's 0-2 loss to Vietnam in the first leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 final.

Hieu Luong