Vietnam to face the Philippines in AFF Cup semi-finals

With the last two matches of the group stage at the ASEAN Federation Football (AFF) Championship - Suzuki Cup 2018 played on November 25, the final tickets to the semi-finals in Group B have been decided, as Thailand progressed as Group B winners, followed by group runners-up the Philippines.

Monday, November 26, 2018 03:10

Group A winners Vietnam will face Group B runners-up the Philippines in the two-leg semi-finals at AFF Suzuki Cup 2018. (Photo: AFF Suzuki Cup 2018)

>>> Vietnam thrash Cambodia 3-0 to advance as Group A leaders

>>> Fierce competitions on final match day in AFF Cup group stage

The defending champions Thailand defeated Singapore 3-0 in their final group match in Bangkok yesterday evening to ensure their top spot with 10 points after four matches played.

Meanwhile, the Philippines booked their berth at the final four stage after drawing 0-0 with Indonesia in the other match of the same day, claiming the second place in Group B with eight points after four matches.

Singapore finished third in the five-team Group B with six points from four games and could not progress as only the top two teams in each group are eligible to advance.

The result meant that Group A winners Vietnam will take on the Philippines in the semifinals, while five-time champions Thailand will play Group A runners-up Malaysia early next month.

Defending champions Thailand will play Group A runners-up Malaysia at this year’s AFF Suzuki Cup semi-finals in December. (Photo: AFF Suzuki Cup 2018)

Earlier, Vietnam thrashed Cambodia 3-0 in their final match in Group A at Hanoi's Hang Day Stadium on the evening of November 24. Malaysia also qualified for the semifinals after beating Myanmar 3-0 in their final Group A match on Saturday.

Vietnam topped the group with 10 points after three victories and a draw. Notably, the team kept a total clean sheet during the group stage.

Group A final standings. (Photo: AFF Suzuki Cup 2018)

Vietnam’s manager Park Hang-seo expressed his pleasure after the clash with the Cambodians, as his team closed the group stage with the top spot, which will bring them advantages when they play the return leg of the semifinal match at home.

The national squad will play the semifinal first leg away in the Philippines on December 2, before returning to the Hanoi’s My Dinh National Stadium to host their visitors four days later.