In the letter, the AFC President described the triumph as "a completely deserved ending" for a dramatic, successful and commendable tournament. He asked that the VFF convey his congratulations to all members of the Vietnam national team on this historic achievement.

Vietnam sealed fourth ASEAN crown after a 2-2 draw with Thailand in the second leg of the final at My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi on August 26 evening, completing a 4-2 aggregate victory.