The gold medal is Vietnam’s first SEA Games football title since 2021, when the team was led by fellow Korean coach Park Hang-seo. This time, however, the achievement carries added significance: under Kim Sang-sik, Vietnam have claimed three regional titles within a single year, the Korean media said. 

Since taking charge in May 2024, Kim has quickly stamped his mark on Vietnamese football. In January 2025, he guided the national team to the ASEAN Championship. Six months later, Vietnam lifted the ASEAN U23 title. At the ongoing 33rd SEA Games, the U22 squad continued that momentum, overcoming Laos and Malaysia in the group stage, beating the Philippines in the semifinals, and stunning hosts Thailand in a dramatic final to climb to the top of the podium. 

Vietnam trailed 0–2 at halftime after Thailand’s Yotsakorn Burapha scored from a free kick in the 20th minute and captain Seksan Ratree doubled the lead 11 minutes later. Yet the “Golden Star Warriors” mounted a remarkable resurgence in the second half, sparked by Kim’s decisive substitutions and tactical adjustments. 

Just four minutes after the restart, captain Nguyen Dinh Bac converted a penalty following a foul by Thai goalkeeper Sorawat Phosaman, reigniting Vietnam’s hopes. Pham Ly Duc equalised in the 60th minute, setting the stage for extra time, when Nguyen Thanh Nhan delivered the decisive strike to complete a sensational comeback in front of a stunned home crowd, the media reported.

Vietnam U22 erupts in joy after SEA Games 2025 triumph

VOV.VN - Vietnam U22 players beamed with joy as they received their gold medals following a dramatic 3-2 win over Thailand U22 in the men’s football final on the evening of December 18 at Rajamangala Stadium, Thailand.