AFC U17 Asian Cup – Group C: Yemen 0-1 Vietnam
Jeddah: Vietnam shrugged off a slow start to kick off their AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group C campaign with a 1-0 win against Yemen on Wednesday. Dau Quang Hung struck the winner in the 77th minute as Vietnam boosted their knockout stage hopes while Yemen were left to ponder why they were left empty handed after having had their fair share of chances.
Both sides went into the tie seeking a positive start after their 2025 campaigns ended in the group stage with Vietnam enjoying a better start.
The Southeast Asian side applied the early pressure but it didn’t take Yemen long to begin dominating, with Saber Al Nuaimi’s right-footed shot from the centre of the box blocked in the fifth minute.
Tran Hoang Viet had a glimpse at goal three minutes later but failed to get his attempt on target.
Both sides had chances after that but neither could make them count with Ahmed Aljedy’s attempt from outside the box in the 25th minute which was comfortably saved by Vietnam custodian Ly Xuan Hoa the closest to a goal as the teams went into the break on level terms.
Yemen started the second half on the front foot and had a look at goal in the 52nd minute but Abdulrahman Al Qufaili’s attempt from the right sailed just wide.
Vietnam gradually began to see more of the ball and registered their first shot on target three minutes later but Chu Ngoc Nguyen Luc’s shot from outside the box was easily fielded by Yemen goalkeeper Wessam Al Asbahi.
A similar pattern was seen in the 60th minute, with Nguyen Ngoc Anh Hao’s attempt also failing to find a way past the Yemen custodian.
Yemen tried to regain their foothold on the match but Ali Shafeq Al Wesabi wasted a chance in the 66th minute, with his right-footed shot from outside the box missing the target.
Vietnam’s positive approach finally drew dividends in the 77th minute when Quang Hung coolly collected Chu Ngoc Nguyen Luc’s cross and struck the ball sweetly into the bottom left corner.
Vietnam play Korea Republic next on Sunday while Yemen will seek to rebound against United Arab Emirates.
