Vietnam U17 draw 1-1 with Matsuyama University in their second friendly match in Japan
On the afternoon of November 11 local time, the Vietnam U17 team played a friendly match against Matsuyama University as part of their training camp in Ehime, Japan, in preparation for the 2026 AFC U17 Qualifiers. This was the second friendly for coach Cristiano Roland’s squad, following their victory over U18 Imabari three days earlier.
12/11/2025 09:57:05
Aiming to assess the squad and refine tactical options, coach Cristiano Roland made several changes to the starting lineup compared to the previous match. Tuan Vu took the goalkeeper position, with a backline of Minh Cuong, Manh Cuong, Dang Khoa, and Anh Hao; the midfield consisted of Tri Dung, Duy Khang, Minh Loi, Van Nam, and Sy Bach; while Long Nhat led the attack.
With numerous personnel changes and facing an older, more experienced opponent, Vietnam U17 started the match cautiously in the opening minutes. However, after about 15 minutes, Roland’s players gradually regained control, organizing pressing and building plays more coherently.
In the first half, Vietnam U17 created two clear chances, but shots from Sy Bach and Hiep Dai Viet were both denied by the opposing goalkeeper.
In the second half, tactical and personnel adjustments allowed Vietnam U17 to play more brightly. In the 52nd minute, following a skillful move to escape pressure by Duy Khang, the ball was threaded through for Manh Quan, who broke through and scored to give Vietnam a 1-0 lead.
However, just a few minutes later, Matsuyama University earned a penalty and converted it successfully, leveling the score at 1-1. In the remaining time, coach Cristiano Roland continued rotating the squad to give other players match experience. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, in a balanced contest that served well for evaluation purposes.
According to schedule, Vietnam U17 will play their final friendly of the Japan training camp against U18 Ehime on November 13, before returning home to finalize preparations for the 2026 AFC U17 Qualifiers.
