Vietnam U17 stage a dramatic comeback to secure a place in the final of the 2026 AFF U17 Championship

Facing a highly rated opponent, the players of head coach Cristiano Roland entered the match with focus and proactive organization in their gameplay. However, Australia U17 quickly demonstrated their quality with fast-paced attacking moves. In the 10th minute, following a combination down the right flank, Luke Becvinovski curled a precise shot into the net to give the defending champions the lead.

After conceding, Vietnam U17 pushed forward in search of an equalizer. Minh Thủy and Nguyễn Lực created several threatening chances but were unable to convert them into goals. In the 38th minute, Sỹ Bách made an impressive run that forced an Australian defender to commit a foul inside the penalty area, but after consulting VAR, the referee decided not to award a penalty to Vietnam U17.

The drama intensified in first-half stoppage time. In the 45+5 minute, after another VAR review, the referee determined that Đại Nhân had been fouled inside the penalty area and awarded Vietnam U17 a penalty. Although Đại Nhân’s initial attempt was saved, center-back Mạnh Cường reacted quickly to head home the rebound, leveling the score at 1-1 for Vietnam U17.

In the second half, the match opened up with both sides creating chances. Vietnam U17 showed strong determination and initiative. In the 60th minute, from a well-rehearsed set-piece, Minh Thủy delivered a cross while a teammate cleverly dummied the ball, allowing Nguyễn Lực to finish from close range and make it 2-1.

In the remaining minutes, Australia U17 increased the pressure in search of an equalizer. However, Vietnam U17’s defense remained well-organized and focused, with the central defensive duo of Đăng Khoa and Mạnh Cường providing effective cover to neutralize the opponent’s dangerous attacks.

The drama continued in the 90+3 minute when, after consulting VAR, the referee issued a straight red card to Australia U17’s Marcus for a dangerous foul on Nguyễn Lực. This incident forced the defending champions to play with ten men in the closing moments.

In the end, Vietnam U17 secured a 2-1 victory to book their place in the final. The team coached by Cristiano Roland will face Malaysia U17, who defeated Laos U17 3-0 in the other semifinal. Earlier in the group stage, Vietnam U17 had already recorded a convincing 4-0 win over the same opponent.

With impressive form and strong fighting spirit, Vietnam U17 are now on the verge of claiming the championship title in this year’s tournament.