Thailand future looks exceedingly bright despite missing out on ASEAN Championship

HANOI, Vietnam -- It wasn't to be in the end, but Thailand certainly gave it a real go in their attempt to off a remarkable comeback against Vietnam in the ASEAN Championship final.

Trailing by two goals following a disappointing home loss in the first leg in Bangkok, the Thais gave their opponents a real scare in the return encounter at Mỹ Đình National Stadium on Wednesday -- twice taking the lead, although a 2-2 draw was ultimately enough for Vietnam to prevail 4-2 on aggregate and secure a fourth regional crown.

In the end, it was no surprise that Vietnam's experience proved crucial considering Thailand have had to rely on a youthful squad at the tournament given the unavailability of numerous established campaigners.

It was one of those precocious talents -- Yotsakorn Burapha, eventually named Young Player of the Tournament -- who would spark the War Elephants' fightback after just 12 minutes on Wednesday with a powerful drive that opposition keeper Lê Giang Patrik was just unable to keep out despite getting a hand to it.

The exciting Kakana Khamyok then won a penalty immediately after the restart when he was fouled following an enterprising charge into the area, only for him to blaze the resultant spot-kick wildly over the bar.

Vietnam made the most of their reprieve to equalise in the 52nd minute when a Hêndrio effort came back off the post and ricocheted off an unfortunate Chatchai Budprom for an own-goal.

With five minutes left on the clock, Thailand were given hope once again when Wanchai Jarunongkran restored their lead on the night.

But in stoppage time, when Wanchai -- in a bid to prevent a pass from sending Vietnam striker Rafaelson through -- could only miscue his attempted clearance past Chatchai for a second Thailand own-goal, there was no longer any doubt where the trophy was headed.

All throughout the tournament, Thailand coach Anthony Hudson had spoke of the pride he had in his young charges.

In addition to Yotsakorn and Kakana, four-goal Teerasak Poeiphimai and midfield dynamo Seksan Ratree also stood out, although it must be acknowledged that they were well led by senior figures in the squad like captain Sarach Yooyen, Manuel Bihr, and even Narubadin Weerawatnodom and Pokklaw Anan on the fringes.

"The first thing I have to say is that I have a huge amount of pride," Hudson said in his post-match news conference.

"Actually -- firstly, congratulations to Vietnam. They obviously had a very, very strong tournament.

"I'm just incredibly proud of the players. Over the two games, I felt we deserved more. I thought we created a lot of chances.

"Even tonight, especially in the first half, I believed we were the better team. We controlled the game and created some good chances. In the second half, I thought we started well, and I really think the momentum shifted after the penalty.

"Then conceding late is just part of when you're taking risks at the end of the game and leaving two players back. We know -- in one moment -- you can get caught on the counterattack, but we had to go for it.

"And the players didn't give up. The players gave everything.

"It is a young squad. [This is] a great experience for them and I'm just incredibly proud of the players."

It is irrefutable that Thailand were not at their strongest while Vietnam were, an imbalance Hudson constantly alluded to -- even if he felt his side still had a realistic chance of causing an upset.

Realistically, when stars such as Chanathip Songkrasin, Suphanat Mueanta, Theerathon Bunmathan and Supachok Sarachat return to the fray, not all of the current squad will remain in the fold.

But several have now proven that, while their relative youth means they are certainly ones for the future, they could also have plenty to offer now.

The War Elephants are crying out for the long-term successor to Teerasil Dangda, who was -- for over a decade -- the region's most-feared strikers but is now, after an outstanding 64 goals in 130 caps, edging closer to the end of an illustrious career at 38.

It has been a few years now since they had a reliable deputy to call upon in Adisak Kraisorn. Suphanat and Supachai Jaided are both accomplished in the role but arguably play their best football just behind the main striker.

Teerasak and Yotsakorn, at 23 and 21 respectively, both look legitimate options as Thailand's next primary No. 9.

Throughout the tournament, the 22-year-old Kakana has an understanding of the game beyond his years in performing the 'false 9' role that Hudson has asked of him, but he could probably cause more damage playing off a proper spearhead with his enterprising charges from deeper.

The potential of Seksan also looks limitless. He excelled whether playing as a No. 6, No. 8 or No. 10. Already exuding maturity at 23, he could potentially settle as a deep-lying playmaker that controls the tempo of the game -- especially after seeing firsthand just what is required after spending the last month alongside the metronomic Sarach.

There is also Chaiyaphon Otton and Oussama Thiangkham.

In terms of playing style, Chaiyaphon is almost a carbon copy of Theerathon with his composure in possession and wand of a left foot. Like Theerathon, he may even continue primarily out wide for the next few years before moving into the engine room.

Meanwhile, the Thai-Moroccan Thiangkham -- who only made his international debut at the tournament -- is every bit a fullback of the modern game.

Thailand may not win the ASEAN Championship every two years but one certainty is that the prospects they regularly unveil at each tournament almost always immediately look like they belong on the stage.

The class of 2026 were no different.

Which is why, even in a heartbreaking defeat to Vietnam in the final, the future still looks very bright for Thailand.