Viet Tri, 6 September, 2025 – A crucial late header from Le Van Thuan secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory for Vietnam U23 over Singapore U23 in the second round of Group C at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers. The result allows coach Kim Sang Sik and his players to maintain top spot in the group, keeping their path to the finals firmly in their own hands.
Earlier in the day, Vietnam temporarily lost first place to Yemen U23, who edged Bangladesh U23 1-0 with a stoppage-time strike. That narrow win meant Vietnam had no choice but to beat Singapore to reclaim first place before the decisive clash against Yemen on September 9.
Coach Kim Sang Sik rotated heavily, making six changes compared to the starting XI that had beaten Bangladesh 2-0. Vietnam quickly stamped their authority on the match, pinning Singapore deep inside their half. In the 12th minute, Dinh Bac slalomed into the box and set up captain Van Truong, but his effort went wide. Just minutes later, Van Khang forced a sharp save from goalkeeper Aizil Yazid, who would go on to be the standout player of the night.
Vietnam’s dominance was relentless throughout the first half, but Singapore defended stubbornly, parking the proverbial “bus” in front of goal. Viktor Le came closest, striking the post in the 33rd minute and later forcing a brilliant diving save from Yazid with a long-range effort.
The second half saw coach Kim introduce Phi Hoang, Le Van Thuan, and Thanh Nhan to inject fresh energy. The tempo rose, and Vietnam intensified their attacks. Yet Yazid continued to frustrate the hosts, denying both Van Thuan and Thanh Nhan from close range. Even when the keeper was beaten, fortune deserted Vietnam: Thai Son blasted over from 10 meters, while Thanh Nhan rattled the crossbar with a first-time finish in the 68th minute.
Just as the match seemed destined for a frustrating draw, Vietnam finally found their breakthrough. In the 83rd minute, Phi Hoang delivered a precise cross from the left, and Van Thuan soared above two defenders to head into the net, leaving Yazid helpless.
The 1-0 scoreline remained until the final whistle, sparking celebrations among the players and fans at Viet Tri Stadium. Although the margin was narrow, the victory gave Vietnam exactly what they needed: three points and control of their qualification destiny.
With six points from two matches, Vietnam lead Group C ahead of Yemen. As the group stage approaches its climax, the equation is simple: if Vietnam avoid defeat against Yemen in the final match, they will book their place at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup finals in Saudi Arabia.
Hong Phuc
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