After 90 minutes of intensifying atmosphere between the two nations that led to minor quarrel and five yellow cards, Nguyen Anh Duc struck the blood during the injury time with a header that OH Leuven’s goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan was unable to stop.
It was the 12th goal of the 33-year-old Duc, a Becamex Binh Duong forward who has represented Vietnam’s senior team since 2006.
Thailand once again failed to redeem their pride against the neighbouring country after the U23 team suffered a 4-0 defeat in the AFC U-23 Championship Qualification in March.
Vietnam, winner of the AFF Suzuki Cup last year, will play the Saturday’s final game with Curacao who beat India 3-1 in the other game competed earlier in the day. Thailand and India will compete for the third place.