ASEAN Cup 2026: Final opponent confirmed for Vietnam in Group A
Timor-Leste have become the final team to join Group A of the 2026 ASEAN Championship (ASEAN Cup) after defeating Brunei Darussalam 6-1 on aggregate across the two-legged qualification play-off.
10/06/2026 10:28:58
Timor-Leste entered the second leg with a comfortable 3-0 advantage from the first match. Buoyed by that lead, the team coached by Jose Pedro adopted an attacking approach from the outset and controlled much of the game. Despite difficult pitch conditions caused by heavy rain before kick-off, Timor-Leste created several promising opportunities. In the 14th minute, Luis Figo broke through on goal and found himself one-on-one with the Brunei goalkeeper, but unfortunately slipped at the crucial moment and failed to open the scoring.
Although Timor-Leste dominated proceedings, they were unexpectedly punished in the 43rd minute when Brunei captain Azwan converted a superb free-kick to give his side a 1-0 lead. However, it proved to be Brunei’s only significant contribution to the match.
After the break, tactical substitutions helped Timor-Leste increase the pressure and they quickly found an equaliser. In the 55th minute, striker Zion Cruz rose highest to head home from close range, making it 1-1. Just seven minutes later, Claudio Osorio capitalised on a scramble inside the penalty area and fired a powerful shot into the net to put Timor-Leste ahead 2-1.
The two quick goals further boosted Timor-Leste’s confidence. Jose Pedro’s side continued to dominate and, in the 80th minute, Oatnasio sealed a 3-1 victory with a well-taken finish.
With a 6-1 aggregate win over the two-legged play-off, Timor-Leste officially secured qualification for the ASEAN Cup 2026 group stage. They will compete in Group A alongside Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia and Singapore.
According to the tournament schedule, Vietnam will face Timor-Leste in their opening Group A match on July 24. The fixture will also mark the start of head coach Kim Sang Sik’s team’s campaign to defend their Southeast Asian championship title at ASEAN Cup 2026.
