Viet Nam 2 team to meet Cambodia in ASEAN Police Football Open’s final

The semi-final matches of the ASEAN Police Football Open 2025 were held at Ha Noi’s Hang Day Stadium on July 13, with victories secured by Viet Nam 2 team and the Cambodia team.

Viet Nam 2 team’s players celebrating their victory.

The first semi-final between Cambodia and Timor Leste delivered an exciting contest until the very last minute. After a goalless first half, the second half exploded with goals. Cambodia took the lead twice thanks to Sarapich (51st minute) and Nat Neth (71st minute), but both times Timor Leste equalised through striker Almeida, who scored in both the 66th and 75th minutes.

Timor-Leste (in white) pressing forward in attack.

With a 2-2 draw after regulation time, the match was decided by a dramatic penalty shootout. The shootout featured a tense back-and-forth battle, with pressure mounting on each kick. Cambodia ultimately triumphed with a razor-thin 11-10 win, securing the first spot in the tournament final.

Timor-Leste players jubilantly celebrate an equalising goal against Cambodia.

In the second semi-final, Viet Nam 2 team delivered an efficient and composed performance to overcome a tough opponent, Thailand, with a 2-1 win. The home crowd erupted in the 14th minute when Tran Duc Nam scored with a clinical finish inside the box.

Viet Nam 2 team (in blue) scoring early in the 14th minute.

Thailand, however, quickly regained control. In the 34th minute, Songkran Paungnoi netted an equaliser, bringing the match back to level terms.

Despite a valiant effort, Thailand team (in brown) could not overcome Viet Nam 2 team.

Fuelled by the home crowd’s energy and support in the second half, Nguyen Nhu Tuan scored the decisive goal in the 50th minute, sealing a 2-1 victory and sending Viet Nam 2 team to the final against Cambodia team, to be held on July 15 at Hang Day Stadium.

Tran Duc Nam awarded Player of the Match in Viet Nam 2 team’s win over Thailand team.

NDO