2018 AFF Championship

In March 2016, it was reported that the AFF was mulling over changes to the tournament format due to the failure to attract big crowds for matches not involving the host nation.{{Cite web |title=Changes afoot for AFF Suzuki Cup? |url=https://www.todayonline.com/sports/changes-afoot-aff-suzuki-cup |access-date=2022-12-30 |website=TODAY |language=en}} It was then confirmed by the AFF that starting with the 2018 edition, a new format would be applied. The nine highest ranked teams would automatically qualify with the 10th and 11th ranked teams playing in a two-legged qualifier. The 10 teams would be split in two groups of five and play a round robin system with each team playing two home and two away fixtures. A draw will be made to determine where the teams play while the format of the knockout round would remain unchanged.{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=David |date=2017-10-06 |title=AFF to introduce new format for next year's Suzuki Cup |url=https://tnp.straitstimes.com/sports/football/aff-introduce-new-format-next-years-suzuki-cup |access-date=2022-12-30 |website=The New Paper |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2017-09-23 |title=New format for AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 |url=https://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/new-format-aff-suzuki-cup-2018/ |access-date=2022-12-30 |website=AFF - The Official Website Of The Asean Football Federation |language=en-US}}

Home-Away matches division:

{{main|2018 AFF Championship qualification}}

File:2018 AFF Suzuki Cup Teams.svg}}]]

Nine teams were automatically qualified in the AFF Championship final tournament. Based on the 2016 AFF Championship ranking, Brunei and Timor Leste played in a home and away playoffs which was conducted on 1 and 8 September 2018 with the latter securing qualification.{{cite web|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-09/09/c_137454906.htm|title=Timor-Leste through to AFF Championship group stage after 3-2 win over Brunei|author=Huaxia|publisher=Xinhua News Agency|date=9 September 2018|access-date=9 September 2018|archive-date=9 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109110734/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-09/09/c_137454906.htm|url-status=dead}} Australia, a member since 2013, did not enter the tournament.

The draw for the tournament was held on 2 May 2018{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/football/199462-philippine-azkals-new-recruits-bayanihan-initiatives-palami|title=Azkals move forward with possible new recruits, 'bayanihan' initiatives – Palami|author=Beatrice Go|publisher=Rappler|date=3 April 2018|access-date=7 April 2018}} at Hotel Mulia in Jakarta, Indonesia{{cite web|url=http://affsuzukicup.com/2018/news/206-official-draw-to-raise-curtain-on-2018-aff-suzuki-cup|title=Official Draw to Raise Curtain on AFF Suzuki Cup 2018|publisher=2018 AFF Suzuki Cup|date=23 April 2018|access-date=28 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219045517/https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/news/206-official-draw-to-raise-curtain-on-2018-aff-suzuki-cup|archive-date=19 December 2018|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://pff.org.ph/2018/04/27/philippines-football-teams-journey-to-forge-their-place-among-asias-best/|title=Philippines Football Teams Journey To Forge Their Place Among Asia's Best|publisher=Philippine Football Federation|date=27 April 2018|access-date=27 April 2018}} with the pot placements followed each teams progress in the previous two editions.{{cite web|url=http://vietnamnews.vn/sports/423667/vn-thailand-top-seeds-at-2018-aff-cup.html|title=VN, Thailand top seeds at 2018 AFF Cup|publisher=Vietnam News|date=2 March 2018|access-date=5 March 2018}}{{Cite web |last=Đan |first=Hoài |date=2018-05-01 |title=Bốc thăm AFF Cup 2018: Việt Nam không đụng Thái Lan ở vòng bảng |url=https://laodong.vn/the-thao/boc-tham-aff-cup-2018-viet-nam-khong-dung-thai-lan-o-vong-bang-604467.ldo |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=laodong.vn |language=vi}} At the time of the draw the identity of the national team that secured qualification was still to be determined (Timor-Leste).

{{main|2018 AFF Championship squads}}

Each team were allowed a preliminary squad of 50 players. A final squad of 23 players (three of whom must be goalkeepers) must be registered one day before the first match of the tournament.{{cite web|url=http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/wp-content/uploads/match_result/suzuki_cup/2018/rules.pdf|title=AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 Tournament Regulation|publisher=ASEAN Football Federation|access-date=1 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820074818/http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/wp-content/uploads/match_result/suzuki_cup/2018/rules.pdf|archive-date=20 August 2018|url-status=live}}

The following officials were chosen for the competition.

Referees

{{div col|colwidth=20em}}

• {{flagicon|AUS}} Chris Beath
• {{flagicon|BRU}} Amdillah Zainuddin
• {{flagicon|CHN}} Fu Ming
• {{flagicon|CHN}} Ma Ning
• {{flagicon|IDN}} Thoriq Munir Alkatiri
• {{flagicon|IRN}} Alireza Faghani
• {{flagicon|JPN}} Hiroyuki Kimura
• {{flagicon|JOR}} Adham Makhadmeh
• {{flagicon|JOR}} Ahmed Al-Ali
• {{flagicon|MAS}} Amirul Izwan Yaacob
• {{flagicon|MAS}} Nagor Amir Noor Mohamed
• {{flagicon|MAS}} Nazmi Nasaruddin
• {{flagicon|MAS}} Suhaizi Shukri
• {{flagicon|OMA}} Ahmed Al-Kaf
• {{flagicon|PHI}} Clifford Daypuyat
• {{flagicon|QAT}} Abdulrahman Al-Jassim
• {{flagicon|QAT}} Khamis Al-Marri
• {{flagicon|KSA}} Turki Al-Khudayr
• {{flagicon|SIN}} Ahmad A'qashah
• {{flagicon|SIN}} Nathan Chan
• {{flagicon|KOR}} Kim Hee-gon
• {{flagicon|THA}} Sivakorn Pu-udom
• {{flagicon|UZB}} Aziz Asimov
• {{flagicon|VIE}} Nguyễn Hiền Triết

{{div col end}}

Assistant referees

{{div col|colwidth=20em}}

• {{flagicon|BRU}} Ali Faisal Rosli
• {{flagicon|BRU}} Raffizal Ramli
• {{flagicon|CAM}} Pisal Kimsy
• {{flagicon|CAM}} Sopheap Chi
• {{flagicon|CHN}} Zhou Fei
• {{flagicon|IDN}} Bambang Syamsudar
• {{flagicon|IDN}} Dinan Lazuardi
• {{flagicon|IDN}} Malang Nurhadi
• {{flagicon|IRN}} Mohammadreza Mansouri
• {{flagicon|IRN}} Reza Sokhandan
• {{flagicon|JPN}} Akane Yagi
• {{flagicon|JOR}} Ahmed Al-Roalle
• {{flagicon|LAO}} Kilar Ladsavong
• {{flagicon|LAO}} Somphavanh Louanglath
• {{flagicon|MAS}} Arif Shamil
• {{flagicon|MAS}} Azman Ismail
• {{flagicon|MAS}} Zairul Khalil
• {{flagicon|MYA}} Chit Moe Aye
• {{flagicon|MYA}} Win Thiha
• {{flagicon|MYA}} Zayar Maung
• {{flagicon|OMN}} Abu Bakar Al-Amri
• {{flagicon|PHI}} Krizmark Nanola
• {{flagicon|PHI}} Relly Balila
• {{flagicon|QAT}} Saoud Al-Maqaleh
• {{flagicon|QAT}} Taleb Al-Marri
• {{flagicon|SIN}} Abdul Hannan
• {{flagicon|SIN}} Lim Kok Heng
• {{flagicon|SIN}} Manoj Kalwani
• {{flagicon|SIN}} Ronnie Koh Min Kiat
• {{flagicon|THA}} Komsun Khumpan
• {{flagicon|THA}} Pattarapong Kijsathit
• {{flagicon|THA}} Phubes Lekpha
• {{flagicon|THA}} Phulsawat Samransuk
• {{flagicon|THA}} Rachen Srichai
• {{flagicon|THA}} Thanet Chuchueun
• {{flagicon|VIE}} Nguyễn Trung Hậu
• {{flagicon|VIE}} Phạm Mạnh Long
• {{flagicon|VIE}} Trần Liêm Thanh
• {{flagicon|VIE}} Trương Đức Chiến

{{div col end}}

Fourth officials

{{div col|colwidth=20em}}

• {{flagicon|BRU}} Abdul Hakim Haidi
• {{flagicon|CAM}} Chy Samdy
• {{flagicon|CAM}} Khuon Virak
• {{flagicon|IDN}} Oki Dwi Putra
• {{flagicon|LAO}} Souei Vongkham
• {{flagicon|LAO}} Xaypaseuth Phongsanit
• {{flagicon|MAS}} Fitri Maskon
• {{flagicon|MYA}} Myat Thu
• {{flagicon|MYA}} Thant Zin Oo
• {{flagicon|PHI}} Steve Supresencia
• {{flagicon|SIN}} Jansen Foo Chuan Hui
• {{flagicon|SIN}} Letchman Gopalakrishnan
• {{flagicon|SIN}} Muhammad Taqi
• {{flagicon|THA}} Mongkolchai Pechsri
• {{flagicon|THA}} Titichai Nuanchan
• {{flagicon|THA}} Wiwat Jumpaoon

{{div col end}}

There are one venue for each participating countries in the tournament with each countries get two group matches played in their home stadium. This is the first time Laos and Cambodia host matches of a final tournament. Before the tournament being held, both the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) and Myanmar Football Federation (MFF) have requested AFF to allow their two home matches to be held in two different stadiums in different cities.{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/indonesia-proposing-pakansari-and-patriot-stadiums-for-2018/1gydge2s0at3q1nbubxq7qzpzu|title=Indonesia proposing Pakansari and Patriot Stadiums for 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup group matches|author=Ooi Kin Fai|publisher=Goal.com|date=2 May 2018|access-date=9 September 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/sports/14743|title=MFF proposes AFF to allow two ASEAN Suzuki group matches to be held in Yangon and Mandalay|author=Win Htut|publisher=Eleven Myanmar|date=27 August 2018|access-date=9 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909112535/http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/sports/14743|archive-date=9 September 2018|url-status=dead}} The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) also asked AFF to move their final group match against Cambodia to Hàng Đẫy Stadium as the match date is coincides with the opening ceremony of the Vietnam National Games that will be held in Mỹ Đình National Stadium by which the request was accepted through the AFF meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on 13 September.{{cite web|url=http://m.soha.vn/aff-cup-2018-tran-viet-nam-campuchia-khong-da-tren-san-my-dinh-20180912152108617.htm|title=AFF Cup 2018: Trận Việt Nam - Campuchia không đá trên sân Mỹ Đình|author=Bá Hổ|trans-title=AFF Cup 2018: Vietnam vs Cambodia match will not be played at Mỹ Đình Stadium|language=vi|work=Saostar|publisher=Soha.vn|date=12 September 2018|access-date=13 September 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://m.danviet.vn/the-thao/vi-sao-dt-viet-nam-khong-da-aff-cup-2018-tren-san-my-dinh-912228.html|title=Vì sao ĐT Việt Nam không đá AFF Cup 2018 trên sân Mỹ Đình? [AFF nhất trí đề xuất của Việt Nam về việc chuyển địa điểm thi đấu trận gặp Campuchia ngày 24.11 về SVĐ Hàng Đẫy thay vì sân Mỹ Đình như dự kiến]|trans-title=Why do not Vietnam play their AFF Cup 2018 match in Mỹ Đình Stadium? [AFF agreed on Vietnam's proposal to move the match against Cambodia on 24 November to Hàng Đẫy Stadium instead of Mỹ Đình Stadium as scheduled|author=Theo Tiến Anh|language=vi|work=Goal.com|publisher=Dan Việt|date=13 September 2018|access-date=13 September 2018}} East Timor will play their designated "home" match against Thailand at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, while their home tie against the Philippines will be played at the Kuala Lumpur Stadium in Malaysia due to the incomplete floodlighting of the Dili Municipal Stadium.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.ph/football/asian-football/aff-suzuki-cup-football/916719/timor-leste-to-play-aff-suzuki-cup-home-games-in-thailand-malaysia/|title=Timor-Leste to play AFF Suzuki Cup home games in Thailand, Malaysia|author=Gabriel Tan|publisher=Fox Sports Philippines|date=3 October 2018|access-date=3 October 2018|archive-date=3 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003221037/https://www.foxsports.ph/football/asian-football/aff-suzuki-cup-football/916719/timor-leste-to-play-aff-suzuki-cup-home-games-in-thailand-malaysia/|url-status=dead}}

{{Clear}}

{{Clear}}

[[File:2018 AFF Suzuki Cup map.svg|thumb|upright=1.8|Result of teams participating in 2018 AFF Championship

{{col-start}} {{col-3}}{{legend|#2B42A3|2=Winners}}{{legend|#34B0BE|2=Runners-up}}{{col-3}}{{legend|#81C846|Semi-finals}}{{legend|#E4E454|Group stage}}{{col-end}}]]

{{anchor|Tiebreakers}}

;Tiebreakers

Ranking in each group shall be determined as follows:

1. Greater number of points obtained in all the group matches;
2. Goal difference in all the group matches;
3. Greater number of goals scored in all the group matches.

If two or more teams are equal on the basis on the above three criteria, the place shall be determined as follows:

1. Result of the direct match between the teams concerned;
2. Penalty shoot-out if only the teams are tied, and they met in the last round of the group;
3. Drawing lots by the Organising Committee.

{{main|2018 AFF Championship Group A}}

{{:2018 AFF Championship Group A}}

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|score = 0–1

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[http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/wp-content/uploads/match_result/suzuki_cup/2018/M1.pdf Report (AFF)]

|team2 = {{fb|MAS}}

|goals1 =

|goals2 = Norshahrul {{goal|31}}

|stadium = Olympic Stadium, Phnom Penh

|attendance = 34,250

|referee = Ahmad A'qashah (Singapore)

}}

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|time = {{UTZ|19:30|7}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|LAO}}

|score = 0–3

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[http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/wp-content/uploads/match_result/suzuki_cup/2018/M2.pdf Report (AFF)]

|team2 = {{fb|VIE}}

|goals1 =

|goals2 = Nguyễn Công Phượng {{goal|11}}
Nguyễn Anh Đức {{goal|45+2}}
Nguyễn Quang Hải {{goal|68}}

|stadium = New Laos National Stadium, Vientiane

|attendance = 15,000

|referee = Thoriq Munir Alkatiri (Indonesia)

}}

----

{{football box

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|time = {{UTZ|20:45|8}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|MAS}}

|score = 3–1

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20200910143226/https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/match-centre?view=matchreport&id=983002 Report (AFFSZ)]

[http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/wp-content/uploads/match_result/suzuki_cup/2018/M5.pdf Report (AFF)]

|team2 = {{fb|LAO}}

|goals1 = Zaquan {{goal|15}}
Norshahrul {{goal|86||90+2}}

|goals2 = Phithack {{goal|7}}

|stadium = Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur

|attendance = 12,127

|referee = Sivakorn Pu-udom (Thailand)

}}

{{football box

|date = {{dts|2018|11|12|format=dmy}}

|time = {{UTZ|18:00|6:30}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|MYA}}

|score = 4–1

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20200910142013/https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/match-centre?view=matchreport&id=983003 Report (AFFSZ)]

[http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/wp-content/uploads/match_result/suzuki_cup/2018/M6.pdf Report (AFF)]

|team2 = {{fb|CAM}}

|goals1 = Hlaing Bo Bo {{goal|60||90+3}}
Than Htet Aung {{goal|70}}
Sithu Aung {{goal|87}}

|goals2 = Vathanaka {{goal|23}}

|stadium = Mandalarthiri Stadium, Mandalay

|attendance = 26,946

|referee = Clifford Daypuyat (Philippines)

}}

----

{{football box

|date = {{dts|2018|11|16|format=dmy}}

|time = {{UTZ|19:30|7}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|LAO}}

|score = 1–3

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20200910141309/https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/match-centre?view=matchreport&id=983004 Report (AFFSZ)]

[http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/wp-content/uploads/match_result/suzuki_cup/2018/M9.pdf Report (AFF)]

|team2 = {{fb|MYA}}

|goals1 = Phouthone {{goal|14}}

|goals2 = Aung Thu {{goal|45}}
Htet Phyoe Wai {{goal|72}}
Maung Maung Lwin {{goal|84}}

|stadium = New Laos National Stadium, Vientiane

|attendance = 1,294

|referee = Kim Hee-gon (South Korea)

}}

{{football box

|date = {{dts|2018|11|16|format=dmy}}

|time = {{UTZ|19:30|7}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|VIE}}

|score = 2–0

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20200910140916/https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/match-centre?view=matchreport&id=983005 Report (AFFSZ)]

[http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/wp-content/uploads/match_result/suzuki_cup/2018/M10.pdf Report (AFF)]

|team2 = {{fb|MAS}}

|goals1 = Nguyễn Công Phượng {{goal|11}}
Nguyễn Anh Đức {{goal|60}}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Mỹ Đình National Stadium, Hanoi

|attendance = 40,000

|referee = Turki Al-Khudayr (Saudi Arabia)

}}

----

{{football box

|date = {{dts|2018|11|20|format=dmy}}

|time = {{UTZ|18:00|6:30}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|MYA}}

|score = 0–0

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20200910141452/https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/match-centre?view=matchreport&id=983006 Report (AFFSZ)]

[http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/wp-content/uploads/match_result/suzuki_cup/2018/M13.pdf Report (AFF)]

|team2 = {{fb|VIE}}

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|stadium = Thuwunna Stadium, Yangon

|attendance = 29,954

|referee = Khamis Al-Marri (Qatar)

}}

{{football box

|date = {{dts|2018|11|20|format=dmy}}

|time = {{UTZ|18:30|7}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|CAM}}

|score = 3–1

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20200910143349/https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/match-centre?view=matchreport&id=983007 Report (AFFSZ)]

[http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/wp-content/uploads/match_result/suzuki_cup/2018/M14.pdf Report (AFF)]

|team2 = {{fb|LAO}}

|goals1 = Vathanaka {{goal|17}}
Mony Udom {{goal|35|pen.}}
Sokhpeng {{goal|76}}

|goals2 = Somxay {{goal|75}}

|stadium = Olympic Stadium, Phnom Penh

|attendance = 25,085

|referee = Nathan Chan (Singapore)

}}

----

{{football box

|date = {{dts|2018|11|24|format=dmy}}

|time = {{UTZ|19:30|7}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|VIE}}

|score = 3–0

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20200910142739/https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/match-centre?view=matchreport&id=983008 Report (AFFSZ)]

[http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/wp-content/uploads/match_result/suzuki_cup/2018/M17.pdf Report (AFF)]

|team2 = {{fb|CAM}}

|goals1 = Nguyễn Tiến Linh {{goal|39}}
Nguyễn Quang Hải {{goal|41}}
Phan Văn Đức {{goal|61}}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Hàng Đẫy Stadium, Hanoi

|attendance = 14,000

|referee = Ma Ning (China)

}}

{{football box

|date = {{dts|2018|11|24|format=dmy}}

|time = {{UTZ|20:30|8}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|MAS}}

|score = 3–0

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20200910140502/https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/match-centre?view=matchreport&id=983009 Report (AFFSZ)]

[http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/wp-content/uploads/match_result/suzuki_cup/2018/M18.pdf Report (AFF)]

|team2 = {{fb|MYA}}

|goals1 = Norshahrul {{goal|26}}
Zaquan {{goal|45+3|pen.|88}}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur

|attendance = 83,777

|referee = Alireza Faghani (Iran)

}}

{{main|2018 AFF Championship Group B}}

{{:2018 AFF Championship Group B}}

{{football box

|date = {{dts|2018|11|09|format=dmy}}

|time = {{UTZ|20:00|8}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|SIN}}

|score = 1–0

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20200910143414/https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/match-centre?view=matchreport&id=983010 Report (AFFSZ)]

[http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/wp-content/uploads/match_result/suzuki_cup/2018/M3.pdf Report (AFF)]

|team2 = {{fb|IDN}}

|goals1 = Hariss {{goal|37}}

|goals2 =

|stadium = National Stadium, Singapore

|attendance = 30,783

|referee = Nguyễn Hiền Triết (Vietnam)

}}

{{football box

|date = {{dts|2018|11|09|format=dmy}}

|time = {{UTZ|19:00|7}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|TLS}}

|score = 0–7

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20200910142920/https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/match-centre?view=matchreport&id=983011 Report (AFFSZ)]

[http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/wp-content/uploads/match_result/suzuki_cup/2018/M4.pdf Report (AFF)]

|team2 = {{fb|THA}}

|goals1 =

|goals2 = Adisak {{goal|3||13||31||45||50||56|pen.}}
Supachai {{goal|90+1}}

|stadium = Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok (Thailand)

|attendance = 8,764

|referee = Nazmi Nasaruddin (Malaysia)

}}

----

{{football box

|date = {{dts|2018|11|13|format=dmy}}

|time = {{UTZ|19:00|7}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|IDN}}

|score = 3–1

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20200910141802/https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/match-centre?view=matchreport&id=983012 Report (AFFSZ)]

[http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/wp-content/uploads/match_result/suzuki_cup/2018/M7.pdf Report (AFF)]

|team2 = {{fb|TLS}}

|goals1 = Alfath {{goal|61}}
Lilipaly {{goal|69|pen.}}
Beto {{goal|82}}

|goals2 = Gama {{goal|48}}

|stadium = Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta

|attendance = 15,138

|referee = Aziz Asimov (Uzbekistan)

}}

{{football box

|date = {{dts|2018|11|13|format=dmy}}

|time = {{UTZ|20:00|8}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|PHI}}

|score = 1–0

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20200910141733/https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/match-centre?view=matchreport&id=983013 Report (AFFSZ)]

[http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/wp-content/uploads/match_result/suzuki_cup/2018/M8.pdf Report (AFF)]

|team2 = {{fb|SIN}}

|goals1 = Reichelt {{goal|78}}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Panaad Stadium, Bacolod

|attendance = 4,327

|referee = Suhaizi Shukri (Malaysia)

}}

----

{{football box

|date = {{dts|2018|11|17|format=dmy}}

|time = {{UTZ|20:00|8}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|TLS}}

|score = 2–3

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20200910141855/https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/match-centre?view=matchreport&id=983014 Report (AFFSZ)]

[http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/wp-content/uploads/match_result/suzuki_cup/2018/M11.pdf Report (AFF)]

|team2 = {{fb|PHI}}

|goals1 = Reis {{goal|73|pen.}}
João Pedro {{goal|75}}

|goals2 = P. Younghusband {{goal|27}}
Steuble {{goal|33}}
De Murga {{goal|68}}

|stadium = Kuala Lumpur Stadium, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

|attendance = 312

|referee = Amdillah Zainuddin (Brunei)

}}

{{football box

|date = {{dts|2018|11|17|format=dmy}}

|time = {{UTZ|18:30|7}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|THA}}

|score = 4–2

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20200910141634/https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/match-centre?view=matchreport&id=983015 Report (AFFSZ)]

[http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/wp-content/uploads/match_result/suzuki_cup/2018/M12.pdf Report (AFF)]

|team2 = {{fb|IDN}}

|goals1 = Korrakot {{goal|38}}
Pansa {{goal|45+2}}
Adisak {{goal|65}}
Pokklaw {{goal|74}}

|goals2 = Zulfiandi {{goal|29}}
Fachrudin {{goal|89}}

|stadium = Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok

|attendance = 37,570

|referee = Amirul Izwan Yaacob (Malaysia)

}}

----

{{football box

|date = {{dts|2018|11|21|format=dmy}}

|time = {{UTZ|19:30|8}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|PHI}}

|score = 1–1

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20200910141214/https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/match-centre?view=matchreport&id=983016 Report (AFFSZ)]

[http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/wp-content/uploads/match_result/suzuki_cup/2018/M15.pdf Report (AFF)]

|team2 = {{fb|THA}}

|goals1 = Bedic {{goal|81}}

|goals2 = Supachai {{goal|57}}

|stadium = Panaad Stadium, Bacolod

|attendance = 3,522

|referee = Nagor Amir Noor Mohamed (Malaysia)

}}

{{football box

|date = {{dts|2018|11|21|format=dmy}}

|time = {{UTZ|19:30|8}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|SIN}}

|score = 6–1

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20200910141926/https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/match-centre?view=matchreport&id=983017 Report (AFFSZ)]

[http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/wp-content/uploads/match_result/suzuki_cup/2018/M16.pdf Report (AFF)]

|team2 = {{fb|TLS}}

|goals1 = Safuwan {{goal|12||19||90+2}}
Ikhsan {{goal|31||43}}
Faris {{goal|90}}

|goals2 = Gama {{goal|13}}

|stadium = National Stadium, Singapore

|attendance = 18,408

|referee = Amirul Izwan Yaacob (Malaysia)

}}

----

{{football box

|date = {{dts|2018|11|25|format=dmy}}

|time = {{UTZ|19:00|7}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|THA}}

|score = 3–0

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20200910141951/https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/match-centre?view=matchreport&id=983018 Report (AFFSZ)]

[http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/wp-content/uploads/match_result/suzuki_cup/2018/M19.pdf Report (AFF)]

|team2 = {{fb|SIN}}

|goals1 = Pansa {{goal|13}}
Supachai {{goal|23}}
Adisak {{goal|90}}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok

|attendance = 29,763

|referee = Ahmed Al-Ali (Jordan)

}}

{{football box

|date = {{dts|2018|11|25|format=dmy}}

|time = {{UTZ|19:00|7}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|IDN}}

|score = 0–0

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20200910150349/https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/match-centre?view=matchreport&id=983019 Report (AFFSZ)]

[http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/wp-content/uploads/match_result/suzuki_cup/2018/M20.jpeg Report (AFF)]

|team2 = {{fb|PHI}}

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|stadium = Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta

|attendance = 15,436

|referee = Fu Ming (China)

}}

{{main|2018 AFF Championship knockout stage}}

{{4TeamBracket-2legs

| RD1=Semi-finals

| RD2=Finals

| RD1-seed1=A2

| RD1-team1={{fb|MAS}} (a)

| RD1-score1-1=0

| RD1-score1-2=2

| RD1-score1-A=2

| RD1-seed2=B1

| RD1-team2={{fb|THA}}

| RD1-score2-1=0

| RD1-score2-2=2

| RD1-score2-A=2

| RD1-seed3=B2

| RD1-team3={{fb|PHI}}

| RD1-score3-1=1

| RD1-score3-2=1

| RD1-score3-A=2

| RD1-seed4=A1

| RD1-team4={{fb|VIE}}

| RD1-score4-1=2

| RD1-score4-2=2

| RD1-score4-A=4

| RD2-seed1=A2

| RD2-team1={{fb|MAS}}

| RD2-score1-1=2

| RD2-score1-2=0

| RD2-score1-A=2

| RD2-seed2=A1

| RD2-team2={{fb|VIE}}

| RD2-score2-1=2

| RD2-score2-2=1

| RD2-score2-A=3

}}

;First leg

{{Football box

|date = {{dts|2018|12|01|format=dmy}}

|time = {{UTZ|20:45|8}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|MAS}}

|score = 0–0

|team2 = {{fb|THA}}

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur

|attendance = 87,545

|referee = Ahmed Al-Kaf (Oman)

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20200910142623/https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/match-centre?view=matchreport&id=983020 Report (AFFSZ)]

[http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/wp-content/uploads/match_result/suzuki_cup/2018/M21.pdf Report (AFF)]

}}

{{Football box

|date = {{dts|2018|12|02|format=dmy}}

|time = {{UTZ|19:30|8}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|PHI}}

|score = 1–2

|team2 = {{fb|VIE}}

|goals1 = Reichelt {{goal|45+2}}

|goals2 = Nguyễn Anh Đức {{goal|12}}
Phan Văn Đức {{goal|48}}

|stadium = Panaad Stadium, Bacolod

|attendance = 5,489

|referee = Abdulrahman Al-Jassim (Qatar)

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20200910142706/https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/match-centre?view=matchreport&id=983022 Report (AFFSZ)]

[http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/wp-content/uploads/match_result/suzuki_cup/2018/M22.pdf Report (AFF)]

}}

----

;Second leg

{{Football box

|date = {{dts|2018|12|05|format=dmy}}

|time = {{UTZ|19:00|7}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|THA}}

|score = 2–2

|team2 = {{fb|MAS}}

|goals1 = Irfan {{goal|21|o.g.}}
Pansa {{goal|63}}

|goals2 = Syahmi {{goal|28}}
Norshahrul {{goal|71}}

|stadium = Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok

|attendance = 46,157

|referee = Adham Makhadmeh (Jordan)

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20191202061239/https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/match-centre?view=matchreport&id=983021 Report (AFFSZ)]

[http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/wp-content/uploads/match_result/suzuki_cup/2018/M23.pdf Report (AFF)]

}}

2–2 on aggregate, Malaysia won on away goals.

{{Football box

|date = {{dts|2018|12|06|format=dmy}}

|time = {{UTZ|19:30|7}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|VIE}}

|score = 2–1

|team2 = {{fb|PHI}}

|goals1 = Nguyễn Quang Hải {{goal|84}}
Nguyễn Công Phượng {{goal|87}}

|goals2 = J. Younghusband {{goal|89}}

|stadium = Mỹ Đình National Stadium, Hanoi

|attendance = 38,816

|referee = Hiroyuki Kimura (Japan)

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20200910143323/https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/match-centre?view=matchreport&id=983023 Report (AFFSZ)]

[http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/wp-content/uploads/match_result/suzuki_cup/2018/M24.pdf Report (AFF)]

}}

Vietnam won 4–2 on aggregate.

{{main|2018 AFF Championship final}}

;First leg

{{Football box

|date = {{dts|2018|12|11|format=dmy}}

|time = {{UTZ|20:45|8}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|MAS}}

|score = 2–2

|team2 = {{fb|VIE}}

|goals1 = Shahrul {{goal|36}}
Safawi {{goal|61}}

|goals2 = Nguyễn Huy Hùng {{goal|22}}
Phạm Đức Huy {{goal|25}}

|stadium = Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur

|attendance = 88,482

|referee = Chris Beath (Australia)

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20200910142514/https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/match-centre?view=matchreport&id=983024 Report (AFFSZ)]

[http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/wp-content/uploads/match_result/suzuki_cup/2018/M25.pdf Report (AFF)]

}}

;Second leg

{{Football box

|date = {{dts|2018|12|15|format=dmy}}

|time = {{UTZ|19:30|7}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|VIE}}

|score = 1–0

|team2 = {{fb|MAS}}

|goals1 = Nguyễn Anh Đức {{goal|6}}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Mỹ Đình National Stadium, Hanoi

|attendance = 44,625

|referee = Alireza Faghani (Iran)

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20190514095223/https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/match-centre?view=matchreport&id=983025 Report (AFFSZ)]

[http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/wp-content/uploads/match_result/suzuki_cup/2018/M26.pdf Report (AFF)]

}}

Vietnam won 3–2 on aggregate.

The best XI consisted of the eleven most impressive players at the tournament.{{cite web|url=https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/news/117-general/1454-2018-aff-suzuki-cup-best-xi|title=2018 AFF Suzuki Cup Best XI|publisher=2018 AFF Suzuki Cup|date=18 December 2018|access-date=19 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219044534/https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/news/117-general/1454-2018-aff-suzuki-cup-best-xi|archive-date=19 December 2018|url-status=dead}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-break}}

{{col-break}}

{{football squad on pitch

| GK_nat = VIE | GK = Văn Lâm

| RB_nat = MAS | RB = Syahmi

| RCB_nat = PHI | RCB = Silva

| LCB_nat = VIE | LCB = Đình Trọng

| LB_nat = VIE | LB = Văn Hậu

| RCM_nat = MAS | RCM = Safawi

| DM_nat = MYA | DM = Hlaing Bo Bo

| LCM_nat = MAS | LCM = Sumareh

| RAM_nat = VIE | RAM = Quang Hải

| LAM_nat = THA | LAM = Sanrawat

| CF_nat = MAS | CF = Norshahrul

}}

{{col-end}}

{{Winners|fb|2018 AFF Championship|VIE|2nd}}

{{Goalscorers

|goals=80 |matches=26

|source=AFF

|8 goals=

• {{fbicon|THA}} Adisak Kraisorn

|5 goals=

• {{fbicon|MAS}} Norshahrul Idlan Talaha

|4 goals=

• {{fbicon|VIE}} Nguyễn Anh Đức

|3 goals=

• {{fbicon|MAS}} Zaquan Adha Radzak
• {{fbicon|SIN}} Safuwan Baharudin
• {{fbicon|THA}} Pansa Hemviboon
• {{fbicon|THA}} Supachai Jaided
• {{fbicon|VIE}} Nguyễn Công Phượng
• {{fbicon|VIE}} Nguyễn Quang Hải

|2 goals=

• {{fbicon|CAM}} Chan Vathanaka
• {{fbicon|MYA}} Hlaing Bo Bo
• {{fbicon|PHI}} Patrick Reichelt
• {{fbicon|SIN}} Ikhsan Fandi
• {{fbicon|TLS}} Rufino Gama
• {{fbicon|VIE}} Phan Văn Đức

|1 goal=

• {{fbicon|CAM}} Keo Sokpheng
• {{fbicon|CAM}} Prak Mony Udom
• {{fbicon|IDN}} Alfath Fathier
• {{fbicon|IDN}} Beto Gonçalves
• {{fbicon|IDN}} Fachrudin Aryanto
• {{fbicon|IDN}} Stefano Lilipaly
• {{fbicon|IDN}} Zulfiandi
• {{fbicon|LAO}} Phithack Kongmathilath
• {{fbicon|LAO}} Phouthone Innalay
• {{fbicon|LAO}} Somxay Keohanam
• {{fbicon|MAS}} Safawi Rasid
• {{fbicon|MAS}} Shahrul Saad
• {{fbicon|MAS}} Syahmi Safari
• {{fbicon|MYA}} Aung Thu
• {{fbicon|MYA}} Htet Phyoe Wai
• {{fbicon|MYA}} Maung Maung Lwin
• {{fbicon|MYA}} Sithu Aung
• {{fbicon|MYA}} Than Htet Aung
• {{fbicon|PHI}} Jovin Bedic
• {{fbicon|PHI}} Carli de Murga
• {{fbicon|PHI}} Martin Steuble
• {{fbicon|PHI}} James Younghusband
• {{fbicon|PHI}} Phil Younghusband
• {{fbicon|SIN}} Faris Ramli
• {{fbicon|SIN}} Hariss Harun
• {{fbicon|THA}} Korrakot Wiriyaudomsiri
• {{fbicon|THA}} Pokklaw Anan
• {{fbicon|TLS}} João Pedro
• {{fbicon|TLS}} Nataniel Reis
• {{fbicon|VIE}} Nguyễn Huy Hùng
• {{fbicon|VIE}} Nguyễn Tiến Linh
• {{fbicon|VIE}} Phạm Đức Huy

|1 own goal=

• {{fbicon|MAS}} Irfan Zakaria (playing against Thailand)

}}

In the final tournament, a player was suspended for the subsequent match in the competition for either getting red card or accumulating two yellow cards in two different matches.

{{*}}Player who get a card during the semifinals and final doesn't include here.

This table will show the ranking of teams throughout the tournament.

{{#invoke:Sports table|main|style=WDL

|source=[https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/fixtures AFF]

|update=complete

|name_CAM={{fb|CAM}} |win_CAM=1 |draw_CAM=0 |loss_CAM=3 |gf_CAM=4 |ga_CAM=9

|name_IDN={{fb|IDN}} |win_IDN=1 |draw_IDN=1 |loss_IDN=2 |gf_IDN=5 |ga_IDN=6

|name_LAO={{fb|LAO}} |win_LAO=0 |draw_LAO=0 |loss_LAO=4 |gf_LAO=3 |ga_LAO=12

|name_MAS={{fb|MAS}} |win_MAS=3 |draw_MAS=3 |loss_MAS=2 |gf_MAS=11 |ga_MAS=8

|name_MYA={{fb|MYA}} |win_MYA=2 |draw_MYA=1 |loss_MYA=1 |gf_MYA=7 |ga_MYA=5

|name_PHI={{fb|PHI}} |win_PHI=2 |draw_PHI=2 |loss_PHI=2 |gf_PHI=7 |ga_PHI=7

|name_SIN={{fb|SIN}} |win_SIN=2 |draw_SIN=0 |loss_SIN=2 |gf_SIN=7 |ga_SIN=5

|name_THA={{fb|THA}} |win_THA=3 |draw_THA=3 |loss_THA=0 |gf_THA=17 |ga_THA=5

|name_TLS={{fb|TLS}} |win_TLS=0 |draw_TLS=0 |loss_TLS=4 |gf_TLS=4 |ga_TLS=19

|name_VIE={{fb|VIE}} |win_VIE=6 |draw_VIE=2 |loss_VIE=0 |gf_VIE=15 |ga_VIE=4

|team1=VIE |team2=MAS |team3=THA |team4=PHI |team5=MYA |team6=SIN |team7=IDN |team8=CAM |team9=LAO |team10=TLS

|split4=yes

|res_col_header=Final result

|result1=1st |result2=2nd |result3=3rd |result4=3rd |result5=GS |result6=GS |result7=GS |result8=GS |result9=GS |result10=GS

|col_1st=#FFD700 |text_1st=Champion

|col_2nd=#C0C0C0 |text_2nd=Runner-up

|text_3rd=Semi-finalists

|text_GS=Eliminated in
group stage

}}

File:2018 AFF Suzuki Cup color scheme.svg

New tournament visuals, including a logo, for the AFF Championship was unveiled for the 2018 edition during the official draw held on 2 May 2018. The ASEAN Football Federation cooperated with Lagardère Sports for the tournament's branding. Five attributes were identified that are "synonymous" to the tournament. Elements combined to form the logo are a beating heart, a goalpost and raised hands by a fan that is meant to signify "pride, loyalty, football, rivalry, and passion".{{cite web|url=http://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/news/media-releases/495-southeast-asia-s-most-watched-football-tournament-aff-suzuki-cup-unveils-progressive-new-look|title=Southeast Asia's Most Watched Football Tournament AFF Suzuki Cup Unveils Progressive New Look|publisher=2018 AFF Suzuki Cup|date=2 May 2018|access-date=2 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219045824/https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/news/media-releases/495-southeast-asia-s-most-watched-football-tournament-aff-suzuki-cup-unveils-progressive-new-look|archive-date=19 December 2018|url-status=dead}}

In addition a colour scheme was developed for the branding. The colours devised are magenta (passion and energy), cyan (fresh beginning), green (vibrancy of a football pitch) and blue (topography of the region).

The official ball for AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 is the Primero Mundo X Star,{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/th/ข่าว/มาตรฐานระดบโลก-แกรนดสปอรตเปดตวลกบอลใชในศกซซกคพ-2018/6gbofww2nl5g1n2snwxayomd9|title=มาตรฐานระดับโลก! แกรนด์สปอร์ตเปิดตัวลูกบอลใช้ในศึกซูซูกิคัพ 2018|trans-title=World class standards! Grand Sport launches ball used in the Suzuki Cup 2018|language=th|publisher=Goal.com|date=2 November 2018|access-date=2 November 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.co.th/foot-ball/thai-football/75419/เอเอฟเอฟจับเปิดตัวลูก/|title=เอเอฟเอฟเปิดตัวลูกบอลแกรนด์สปอร์ตใช้ในศึกซูซูกิ|trans-title=AFF launches Grand Sport ball used in the Suzuki battle|language=th|publisher=Fox Sports Thailand|date=3 November 2018|access-date=3 November 2018}}{{Dead link|date=June 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} which is sponsored by Grand Sport Group.{{cite web|url=http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/grand-sport-partners-aff-suzuki-cup-2018-as-official-match-ball-and-kit-supplier/|title=Grand sport partners AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 as official match ball and kit supplier|publisher=ASEAN Football Federation|date=28 August 2018|access-date=3 November 2018}}

The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) was fined VND 220 million (US$10,000) by the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) for failing to send any Vietnamese players to attend the press conference before the opening match against Laos on 8 November in Vientiane, with a warning that the penalty will be heavier if it happens again. Under AFF rules, any head coach and a starting player from each team must show up at the pre-match press conference one day prior to the match.{{cite web|url=https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/vietnam-football-federation-fined-for-players-skipping-pre-match-press-meet-3844447.html|title=Vietnam Football Federation fined for players skipping pre-match press meet|author=Nhan Dat|publisher=VnExpress|date=26 November 2018|access-date=26 November 2018}} During the encounter between Myanmar and Vietnam in Group A in Yangon, the Vietnamese side was dissatisfied over the controversial decision made by Qatari referee Khamis Al-Marri after two penalty calls were denied, and another goal was ruled offside by Thai linesman Phubes Lekpha despite video replay showing the Vietnamese player was indeed onside at that time.{{cite web|url=https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/vietnam-denied-legitimate-goal-against-myanmar-international-experts-3842551.html|title=Vietnam denied legitimate goal against Myanmar: international experts|author=Hoang Khanh Phong|publisher=VnExpress|date=21 November 2018|access-date=25 November 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/aggrieved-fans-coach-slam-refereeing-mistakes-in-vietnam-myanmar-match-3842553.html|title=Aggrieved fans, coach slam refereeing mistakes in Vietnam-Myanmar match|author1=Lam Thoa|author2=Duc Dong|publisher=VnExpress|date=22 November 2018|access-date=25 November 2018}} An argument then occurred between Burmese coach Antoine Hey and Vietnamese coach Park Hang-seo which resulted in Park not shaking hands with Hey after the match.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/asian-football/aff-suzuki-cup/980639/aff-suzuki-cup-2018-vietnam-coach-refuses-to-shake-hands-with-myanmar-coach-at-full-time/|title=AFF Suzuki Cup 2018: Vietnam coach refuses to shake hands with Myanmar coach at Full Time|publisher=Fox Sports Asia|date=21 November 2018|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-date=21 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221145611/https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/asian-football/aff-suzuki-cup/980639/aff-suzuki-cup-2018-vietnam-coach-refuses-to-shake-hands-with-myanmar-coach-at-full-time/|url-status=dead}} As a result, the availability and importance of video assistant referee (VAR) like in the recent 2018 FIFA World Cup is questioned where many believed it should have been enforced in all international football matches.{{cite web|url=https://thethao.thanhnien.vn/bong-da-viet-nam/bao-gio-co-var-cho-aff-cup-95859.html|title=Bao giờ có VAR cho AFF Cup?|trans-title=When will VAR appear at the AFF Cup?|author=G. Lao|language=vi|publisher=Thanh Niên|date=22 November 2018|access-date=25 November 2018}} Prior to the group match between Malaysia and Vietnam in Hanoi, young Vietnamese football fans who waiting over a night to buy tickets are being threatened by local thugs and gangsters and forced to leave.{{cite web|url=https://znews.vn/dau-gau-duoi-nguoi-xep-hang-mua-ve-aff-cup-luc-nua-dem-post891384.html|title='Đầu gấu' đuổi người xếp hàng mua vé AFF Cup lúc nửa đêm|trans-title='Bear head' chases people to buy AFF Cup tickets at midnight|author=Nguyễn Hoàng Hà|language=vi|publisher=Zing.vn|date=11 November 2018|access-date=25 November 2018}} Police scouts was then being dispatched to monitor the gangs activities.{{cite web|url=http://www.yan.vn/con-do-duoi-nguoi-xep-hang-mua-ve-aff-cup-185548.html|title=Cảnh sát vào cuộc khi xuất hiện 2 thanh niên lạ mặt đuổi người xếp hàng mua vé AFF Cup|trans-title=The police came to the scene when two strangers appeared to chase people to buy AFF Cup tickets|language=vi|publisher=Yan.vn|date=11 November 2018|access-date=25 November 2018}}

In another situation, 20 Myanmar fans (including women) who were waiting for a bus in Kuala Lumpur to return after the end of the last Group A match between Malaysia and Myanmar when they were physically and verbally attacked by around 30 unidentified assailants.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/asian-football/aff-suzuki-cup/983754/aff-suzuki-cup-2018-myanmar-fans-attacked-malaysia/|title=AFF Suzuki Cup 2018: Myanmar fans attacked after defeat to Malaysia – Reports|publisher=Fox Sports Asia|date=25 November 2018|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-date=27 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927013849/https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/asian-football/aff-suzuki-cup/983754/aff-suzuki-cup-2018-myanmar-fans-attacked-malaysia/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mmtimes.com/news/three-myanmar-football-fans-injured-after-match-malaysia.html|title=Three Myanmar football fans injured after match in Malaysia|author=Zaw Zaw Htwe|publisher=The Myanmar Times|date=26 November 2018|access-date=26 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126134812/https://www.mmtimes.com/news/three-myanmar-football-fans-injured-after-match-malaysia.html|url-status=dead}} Three of the Myanmar fans were injured and had to be sent to hospital for treatment. The victims decided not to make a police report for its perceived lack of effectiveness on similar cases in the past. Nevertheless, the Secretary of Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), Stuart Michael Ramalingam, made a visit to the victims' representative to apologise, explaining that they have ensured security measures being taken inside the stadium during the game but cannot prevent any untoward incident that happened outside the stadium, thus urging every football supporter to control their behaviour with a sportsmanship spirit.{{cite web|url=http://www.kosmo.com.my/sukan/fam-tetap-peka-biarpun-tiada-laporan-polis-1.794412|title=FAM tetap peka biarpun tiada laporan polis|trans-title=FAM remains alert despite no police reports|author=Mohamad Firdaus Abdullah|language=ms|publisher=Kosmo!|date=26 November 2018|access-date=26 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126180608/http://www.kosmo.com.my/sukan/fam-tetap-peka-biarpun-tiada-laporan-polis-1.794412|url-status=dead}} Despite the apology, the Myanmar Football Federation (MFF) sent a letter to the AFF to take action against the host country since it was a repeat of similar fan violence in recent years, urging for a definite end to such violence towards any visiting fans in any future matches hosted by Malaysia, as well as for a heavy penalty to be imposed on them if such problems keep recurring.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/asian-football/aff-suzuki-cup/987145/aff-suzuki-cup-2018-myanmar-demand-aff-action-malaysia-fan-violence/|title=AFF Suzuki Cup 2018: Myanmar demands AFF to take action against Malaysia fan violence|publisher=Fox Sports Asia|date=29 November 2018|access-date=29 November 2018|archive-date=5 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181205150411/https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/asian-football/aff-suzuki-cup/987145/aff-suzuki-cup-2018-myanmar-demand-aff-action-malaysia-fan-violence/|url-status=dead}} As stated in their letter, the MFF wrote:

{{quote|This is not the first or second time this is happening. This matter is not something only Malaysia should be apologising for. It's not only for the fans of our country. We are doing it so that it won't happen again in any host country when other countries come and play. The host country should take extra care and responsibility around the stadium. The hosts also need to take responsibility for the spectators' safety. If this keeps happening in an host country, it will affect the AFF's integrity. No one (the visitor team supporters) will come and watch the matches in the future. Thus, in order to prevent this from happening again, we sent a letter to AFF.|U Ko Ko Thein, General Secretary of the Myanmar Football Federation.}}

Following the complaint, FAM were given two warning notices by the AFF with a possible fine of RM21,000 (US$5,000), with the latter warning a direct result of some Malaysian supporters throwing airbomb into the stadium track after the end of the group match against Myanmar.{{cite web|url=https://www.bharian.com.my/sukan/bola/2018/12/504080/fam-dapat-dua-pertuduhan|title=FAM dapat dua pertuduhan|trans-title=FAM get two charges|author=Farah Azharie|language=ms|publisher=Berita Harian|date=1 December 2018|access-date=1 December 2018}} The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) was fined Rp116 million (US$8,000) by the AFF after one of their players were found to be using a shirt with sponsor logo during their training session before the group match against Timor-Leste. Under the AFF Disciplinary Code 6.11 (Colour and Shirt Number), each team may not display the sponsor's logo either inside or outside the stadium during official training, games and at press conferences.{{cite web|url=https://bola.kompas.com/read/2018/11/23/18360648/selain-gugur-di-piala-aff-2018-timnas-indonesia-pun-kena-denda|title=Selain Gugur di Piala AFF 2018, Timnas Indonesia Pun Kena Denda|trans-title=Besides being knocked out in the 2018 AFF Cup, the Indonesian national team was also fined|author1=Eris Eka Jaya|author2=Nungki Nugroho|work=BolaSport.com|language=id|publisher=Kompas|date=23 November 2018|access-date=25 November 2018}} Another possible fines of Rp73 million (US$5,000) also received by the team after they forgot to put the tournament logo in their home shirt during the match against Timor-Leste.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/asian-football/aff-suzuki-cup/976926/aff-suzuki-cup-2018-indonesia-could-be-penalised-for-hilarious-jersey-error-by-pssi/|title=AFF Suzuki Cup 2018: Indonesia could be penalised for hilarious jersey error by PSSI|publisher=Fox Sports Asia|date=16 November 2018|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-date=2 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402015134/https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/asian-football/aff-suzuki-cup/976926/aff-suzuki-cup-2018-indonesia-could-be-penalised-for-hilarious-jersey-error-by-pssi/|url-status=dead}} Following the team's poor performance and early elimination in Group B, PSSI chairman Edy Rahmayadi blamed Indonesian media and press as the main cause for the team failure.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/asian-football/aff-suzuki-cup/982250/aff-suzuki-cup-2018-pssi-chairman-edy-rahmayadi-ridiculous-reason-indonesia-failure/|title=AFF Suzuki Cup 2018: PSSI Chairman Edy Rahmayadi states ridiculous reason for Indonesia national team's failure|author=Sarthak Sharma|publisher=Fox Sports Asia|date=24 November 2018|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125162444/https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/asian-football/aff-suzuki-cup/982250/aff-suzuki-cup-2018-pssi-chairman-edy-rahmayadi-ridiculous-reason-indonesia-failure/|archive-date=25 November 2018|url-status=dead}} Coach Bima Sakti's accusation on the Philippines team using many "naturalised players" also angered many Filipino football supporters.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/asian-football/aff-suzuki-cup/983014/azkals-fans-infuriated-with-bima-saktis-half-blood-comments-ahead-of-aff-suzuki-cup-encounter/|title=Azkals fans infuriated with Bima Sakti's 'half-blood' comments ahead of AFF Suzuki Cup encounter|publisher=Fox Sports Asia|date=24 November 2018|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-date=9 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209105808/https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/asian-football/aff-suzuki-cup/983014/azkals-fans-infuriated-with-bima-saktis-half-blood-comments-ahead-of-aff-suzuki-cup-encounter/|url-status=dead}} Philippines midfielder Stephan Schröck, a Filipino-German, also expressed his anger via social media saying "call us half-bloods all day, but once we've met, only half of you will be left".{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/asian-football/aff-suzuki-cup/984470/aff-suzuki-cup-2018-philippines-stephan-schrock-slams-bima-saktis-half-blood-comments/|title=AFF Suzuki Cup 2018: Philippines Stephan Schrock slams Bima Sakti's 'Half Blood' comments|publisher=Fox Sports Asia|date=26 November 2018|access-date=26 November 2018|archive-date=9 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209162724/https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/asian-football/aff-suzuki-cup/984470/aff-suzuki-cup-2018-philippines-stephan-schrock-slams-bima-saktis-half-blood-comments/|url-status=dead}} During the press conference of the first leg final in Malaysia, a dispute between Malaysian and Vietnamese photographer occurred when the latter overshadow Malaysian photographer sights who was standing behind to taking the photo of both teams, causing them to react angrily and saying "Don't stand up!" with another Malaysian photographer wearing a cap with black shirt began to approaching the Vietnamese photographer but was being calmed by the press conference staffs as well Malaysian coach Tan Cheng Hoe who urging everyone to remain calm during the tense situation before making his speech on the upcoming final matches.{{cite web|url=https://znews.vn/phong-vien-viet-nam-va-malaysia-gay-go-truoc-chung-ket-aff-cup-post899175.html|title=Phóng viên Việt Nam và Malaysia gây gổ trước chung kết AFF Cup|trans-title=Vietnamese and Malaysian journalists are against each other on the AFF Cup finalists|author=Minh Chiến|language=vi|publisher=Zing.vn|date=10 December 2018|access-date=10 December 2018}} A video footage on the incident had been circulating on YouTube with another voice also being recorded as saying "Oh no! A stupid photographer!".[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_le7y94nwI Quay phim Malaysia 'dằn mặt' phóng viên Việt Nam tại họp báo (Malaysian journalists asking Vietnamese journalists to 'lower your head down' at press conference)] (in Vietnamese). YouTube. 10 December 2018. Retrieved 10 December 2018.

Many Malaysian and Vietnamese fans who could not get a single ticket were also disappointed over how ticket management was being conducted by both FAM and VFF.{{cite web|url=https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/tickets-sold-out-for-vietnam-malaysia-aff-final-many-fans-disappointed-3851810.html|title=Tickets sold out for Vietnam-Malaysia AFF final, many fans disappointed|author=Ngoc Nguyen|publisher=VnExpress|date=10 December 2018|access-date=11 December 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://znews.vn/anh-che-noi-kho-khi-san-ve-online-tran-chung-ket-viet-nam-malaysia-post899196.html|title=Ảnh chế nỗi khổ khi săn vé online trận chung kết Việt Nam - Malaysia|trans-title=The pain of the hunting of online tickets finals between Vietnam - Malaysia|language=vi|publisher=Zing.vn|date=11 December 2018|access-date=11 December 2018}} In Malaysia, many of the fans queued up overnight and camped outside the stadium with some becoming unconscious after being trampled by other fans in crowded areas.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/asian-football/aff-suzuki-cup/994224/aff-suzuki-cup-2018-malaysia-fans-queue-night-final-tickets/|title=AFF Suzuki Cup 2018: Malaysia fans queue up overnight at Bukit Jalil for tickets to the final|publisher=Fox Sports Asia|date=9 December 2018|access-date=11 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210103705/https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/asian-football/aff-suzuki-cup/994224/aff-suzuki-cup-2018-malaysia-fans-queue-night-final-tickets/|archive-date=10 December 2018|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bharian.com.my/sukan/bola/2018/12/507093/pengsan-kena-pijak-kerana-tiket|title=Pengsan, kena pijak kerana tiket|trans-title=Faint, trampled over ticket|author=Firdaus Hashim|language=ms|publisher=Berita Harian|date=9 December 2018|access-date=11 December 2018}} Similar situation also occurred in Vietnam, hundreds of Vietnam People's Army (VPA) wounded veteran gathered outside the VFF's office gate to buy priority tickets for the second final match since the VFF had announced that it would sell direct tickets to those who had difficulty to buy online tickets. This resulted in chaos when they broke the federation office main gate.{{cite web|url=https://znews.vn/nhieu-thuong-binh-day-tung-cua-phi-xe-3-banh-vao-trong-tru-so-vff-post899232.html|title=Nhiều thương binh đẩy tung cửa, phi xe 3 bánh vào trong trụ sở VFF|trans-title=Many injured soldiers pushed the door, three-wheel vehicle into the VFF headquarters|language=vi|publisher=Zing.vn|date=10 December 2018|access-date=11 December 2018}} Prior to the first final match between the two countries in Malaysia, many Vietnamese fans who came to the stadium were disappointed when they were not allowed to enter despite having tickets, due to what was claimed to be "over-crowding" by the stadium management.{{cite web|url=https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2018/12/439607/no-seats-frustrated-vietnam-fans|title=No seats for frustrated Vietnam fans|author=Farah Azharie|publisher=New Straits Times|date=11 December 2018|access-date=11 December 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/asian-football/aff-suzuki-cup/996752/aff-suzuki-cup-2018-vietnam-fans-furious-overbooked-bukit-jalil-final-malaysia/|title=AFF Suzuki Cup 2018: Vietnam fans furious at overbooked Bukit Jalil for final first leg|publisher=Fox Sports Asia|date=12 December 2018|access-date=12 December 2018}} One of the fans telling that an auxiliary police officer already said to her the seating area in the second tier at the stadium (directly above the visiting fans' place) is actually allocated for their fans but it seems to be already overtaken by the host fans instead.{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en-my/news/overcrowding-mars-spectacle-of-aff-final-at-bukit-jalil/16qv318irwxxm10jrjv22dxwwy|title=Overcrowding mars spectacle of AFF final at Bukit Jalil|author=Ooi Kin Fai|publisher=Goal.com|date=12 December 2018|access-date=12 December 2018}} Both sides fans also expressed their frustration over the no decision taken by Australian referee Chris Beath in two incidents in the first final game such as the scuffle between two players and another foul when the ball hitting one of the Malaysian player hand in their penalty area in the 28th minute.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/asian-football/aff-suzuki-cup/995923/watch-video-aff-suzuki-cup-2018-final-vietnam-do-duy-manh-red-card-foul-malaysia-zaquan-adha/|title=Watch: Should Vietnam's Do Duy Manh have seen a red card for this foul on Malaysia's Zaquan Adha in AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 final?|publisher=Fox Sports Asia|date=9 December 2018|access-date=11 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215225547/https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/asian-football/aff-suzuki-cup/995923/watch-video-aff-suzuki-cup-2018-final-vietnam-do-duy-manh-red-card-foul-malaysia-zaquan-adha/|archive-date=15 December 2018|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://thethao247.vn/95-aff-2018-truc-tiep-malaysia-vs-viet-nam-d170416.html|title=Việt Nam bị cầm hòa đáng tiếc trong trận cầu 4 bàn thắng|trans-title=Vietnam held the unfortunate in the game of 4 goals|language=vi|publisher=Thểthao247.vn|date=11 December 2018|access-date=11 December 2018|quote=Phút 28, bóng chạm tay của ĐT Malaysia trong vòng cấm nhưng trọng tài không thổi còi. [At the 28th minute, the ball hitting the hand of one of the Malaysian player within their penalty area but the referee did not blowing his whistle].}}

{{reflist|group=note}}

{{reflist|2}}

• [http://www.affsuzukicup.com AFF Suzuki Cup official website]
• [http://www.aseanfootball.org ASEAN Federation official website]

{{2018 AFF Championship}}

{{AFF Championship}}

{{AFF-EAFF Champions Trophy}}

{{2018 in Asian football (AFC)}}

Category:AFF Championship tournaments

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Category:2018 in Burmese football

Category:2018 in Cambodian football

Category:2018 in East Timorese sport

AFF Championship

Category:2018 in Laotian football

Category:2018 in Malaysian football

Category:2018 in Philippine football

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Category:2018 in Vietnamese football

AFF Championship

AFF Championship