U23 Vietnam off to a smooth start in the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers
On the evening of September 3 at Việt Trì Stadium (Phú Thọ), the U23 Vietnam kicked off their AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Bangladesh U23, temporarily moving to the top of Group C.
04/09/2025 16:13:06
Backed by strong home support, coach Kim Sang-sik’s players quickly took control of the game with high pressing, frequent wing attacks, and effective use of set-piece situations. Within the opening 10 minutes, the Bangladesh U23 goal was put under constant pressure from efforts by Nguyễn Hiểu Minh and Nguyễn Phi Hoàng, with Phi Hoàng’s long-range strike denied by the post.
The relentless pressure was soon converted into the opening goal in the 15th minute. From a clever through ball by Nguyễn Đình Bắc, Nguyễn Ngọc Mỹ made a timely run to face the goalkeeper and finished smartly into the far corner, breaking the deadlock for U23 Vietnam.
With the lead secured, U23 Vietnam continued to dominate possession. Đình Bắc made a strong impression as a key connector, both creating chances and helping Nguyễn Văn Trường control the midfield. Meanwhile, the visitors’ attack posed little threat, except for a dangerous low cross late in the first half that goalkeeper Trần Trung Kiên read well and intercepted decisively.
In the second half, coach Kim Sang-sik gave Lê Viktor his chance, and the striker made the most of it. After missing an opportunity in the 77th minute, Lê Viktor netted his first goal for Vietnam U23 in the 82nd minute. From a corner delivered by his teammate, Lý Đức rose high to head the ball back across goal, allowing Lê Viktor to break through and finish from close range, sealing the 2-0 victory.
In the closing minutes, U23 Vietnam continued to create several chances, the most notable being Phi Hoàng’s strike against the crossbar in the 89th minute. However, the score remained 2-0 until the final whistle.
With this victory, U23 Vietnam temporarily moved to the top of Group C after the opening round, edging U23 Yemen on goal difference.
In the next round on September 6, coach Kim Sang-sik and his players will face U23 Singapore, while U23 Bangladesh will take on U23 Yemen.
