Group B: Vietnam 1-1 Japan
Taif: Vietnam showed grit to hold Japan to a 1-1 stalemate in their AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 Group B match on Monday. Tran Gia Bao scored a last-gasp penalty to secure a point for the Southeast Asian side, cancelling out Minato Yoshida’s first half opener for the East Asians.
08/04/2025 09:17:22
Forward trio Minato Yoshida, Hiroto Asada and Yuito Kamo who scored four goals between them against the United Arab Emirates, kept their starting spots for Japan while Cristiano Roland retained the same starting 11 that held Australia to a 1-1 draw on Friday.
Japan started in confident fashion with Shota Fujii blasting a shot from distance that sailed over the bar before Taito Kanda ghosted into the box in the 13th minute to force Vietnam goalkeeper Hoa Xuan Tin to scoop his effort away.
From the ensuing corner kick, Japan took the lead as Yoshida was left unmarked in the centre of the box to power home a header from Makoto Himeno’s delivery, his third of the campaign.
Another set-piece situation in the 33rd minute caused mayhem in Vietnam’s defence after they failed to clear a corner kick, however, this time Yoshida could only find the side netting with his header as Japan went into the break with a slim advantage.
After the interval, Japan continued to be the dominant side and a wonderful move in the 49th minute nearly saw them doubling their lead. Fujii switched the ball to the far right to Kaiji Chonan, whose fierce drive was palmed away by Hoa.
Japan wasted another opportunity in the 71st minute when substitute Kaiki Kato was released inside the box after some quick intricate passing but the forward chose power over accuracy, sending his effort high over the bar.
Just like they did against Australia, Vietnam were looking for a late flourish and Roland’s ploy to thrust Gia Bao into action worked after the forward was brought down by Japan custodian Ibuji Ejike in stoppage time before stepping up to put away the spot-kick.
The stalemate sets up an exciting Matchday Three, with Japan to face Australia while Vietnam play UAE, with the ties to be contested on Thursday.
Source: AFC
