Muscat – U17 Vietnam kicked off their training camp in Oman with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the host U17 Oman team in a closed-door friendly, part of their preparations for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2025.
The lone goal, scored by Bui Duy Dang in the 82nd minute, handed Coach Tran Minh Chien’s squad a morale-boosting win as they fine-tune for the continental showdown. The match, held without spectators or media coverage at Oman’s request, allowed both teams to focus purely on tactical experimentation and squad assessment.
The game unfolded as a cagey affair, with U17 Vietnam and U17 Oman prioritizing structure over flair. Vietnam’s defense, anchored by a disciplined backline, neutralized Oman’s attacks, while their midfield worked tirelessly to probe for openings. Oman, leveraging home advantage, pressed high but struggled to breach Vietnam’s organized setup. The deadlock persisted until late, when Duy Dang—a rising star in Vietnam’s youth ranks—seized his moment. Capitalizing on a well-orchestrated move, he struck with precision, beating the Omani goalkeeper to secure the 1-0 lead that Vietnam held until the final whistle.
This friendly served as a critical testing ground. For Vietnam, it was a chance to evaluate players and refine strategies ahead of the Asian Cup, set to take place in Saudi Arabia from April 3-20. Oman, too, used the match to assess their readiness for the same tournament, where both teams aim to make an impact. “It was a good workout—controlled and purposeful,” a Vietnam team source noted. “Duy Dang’s goal showed we can unlock defenses when it counts.”
The two sides are slated to clash again at 12:30 a.m. on March 28 (Vietnam time), marking U17 Vietnam’s final tune-up before departing for Saudi Arabia. This rematch will offer Coach Chien one last opportunity to tweak formations and test bench strength against a familiar foe. With the Asian Cup looming—featuring 16 teams vying for the title Vietnam last won in 2009—these friendlies are vital for building momentum.
Bui Duy Dang’s late heroics signal promise for Vietnam’s campaign, where they’ll face Asia’s best U17 talents. After this Oman stint, all eyes will turn to Saudi Arabia, where the young Golden Stars hope to shine on the continental stage once more.
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