Both teams came into the tie with unbeaten records in the group stage, having scored 12 goals each with six-time runners-up Indonesia conceding three, while two-time winners Vietnam boasting an unblemish record. 

 

Despite playing in front of a partisan crowd at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Vietnam were the first to have a look at goal with Nguyen Quang Hai angling his volley from inside the box just above the bar in the 13th minute.

The home side played in patches but found their rhythm in the 28th minute when Yakob Sayuri had their best chance from distance with the PSM Makassar forward shooting his effort just wide off Vietnam goalkeeper Dang Van Lam’s left post.

 

Indonesia kept applying pressure with Marselino Ferdinan and Sayuri both threatening in the 36th minute but Dang stayed firm to keep the score 0-0 going into the break.

Indonesia maintained their attacking approach in the second half but were unable to find a breakthrough with Jordi Amat sending his header wide off a set-piece in the 57th minute.

 

Sayuri then missed a golden opportunity to put his side ahead moments later when he failed to latch onto Marc Klok’s inviting lob into the box as Vietnam soaked up the pressure.

Despite waves of attacks in the closing stages of the half, Indonesia were unable to find a breakthrough to leave the tie tantalisingly poised.