AFF Cup 2016: Thailand's Championship Win - A Look Back

The AFF Cup 2016, the 11th edition of Southeast Asia’s premier football tournament, left an indelible mark on fans with its thrilling and dramatic matches. This tournament witnessed the absolute dominance of the Thai national team, as they clinched the championship title after defeating Indonesia in the final.

Thailand’s “War Elephants” Journey to Victory

Entering the tournament as defending champions, Thailand displayed devastating form right from the group stage. They won all 3 matches, scoring 6 goals and conceding only 1. The impressive 4-2 victory against Indonesia in their opening match demonstrated the “War Elephants'” determination to defend their throne.

![Thai national team celebrating with the AFF Cup trophy](image-1|thai-lan-vo-dich-aff-cup-2016|A photo capturing the Thai football team celebrating with the AFF Cup trophy. The players are all smiles as they lift the trophy high above their heads, with confetti raining down on them. The background is a packed stadium of cheering fans.)

In the semi-finals, Thailand faced a tricky opponent in Myanmar. After a 1-1 draw away, the “War Elephants” showed their champion mettle by winning 4-0 at home, securing their place in the final.

The Thrilling Final: Thailand vs. Indonesia

The AFF Cup 2016 final was a rematch between Thailand and Indonesia. Indonesia had previously caused a major upset by eliminating Vietnam in the semi-finals. However, the “War Elephants” proved their superior class.

Thailand opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a goal from Teerasil Dangda. However, Indonesia unexpectedly equalized in the 41st minute. In the second half, Thailand increased the pressure and scored again to make it 2-1, courtesy of Siroch Chatthong.

![Intense final match between Indonesia and Thailand](image-2|indonesia-thai-lan-chung-ket-aff-cup-2016|A photo of the intense final match between Indonesia and Thailand. Players from both teams are battling for the ball in a fierce midfield clash. The stadium is packed with passionate fans from both countries.)

The final minutes of the match were incredibly tense. Indonesia desperately sought an equalizer, while Thailand defended resolutely. Ultimately, Thailand successfully defended their 2-1 lead, officially becoming the AFF Cup 2016 champions.

AFF Cup 2016: An Unforgettable Mark

The AFF Cup 2016 concluded with a convincing championship victory for Thailand. The “War Elephants” proved their number one status in Southeast Asia. The tournament also left regrets for other teams, especially Vietnam, who were eliminated in the semi-finals.

However, the AFF Cup 2016 provided fans with captivating and emotional matches. It was a testament to the strong development of football in the region.

Want to know more about the history of Champions League winning teams? Check out the Champions League Winners List.

![Logos and flags of AFF Cup 2016 participating teams](image-3|cac-doi-bong-tham-du-aff-cup-2016|A collage showcasing the logos and flags of all the teams that participated in the AFF Cup 2016 tournament. It represents the diversity and competitive spirit of Southeast Asian football.)

FAQ about AFF Cup 2016:

Which team won the AFF Cup 2016?
- The Thailand national team won the AFF Cup 2016.
Which team did Thailand defeat in the final?
- Thailand defeated Indonesia 2-1 in the final.
Who scored the decisive goal in the final?
- Siroch Chatthong scored the decisive goal to put Thailand ahead 2-1.