Viet Tri, 9 September, 2025 – U23 Vietnam booked their place at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup with a crucial 1-0 victory over U23 Yemen in the final match of Group C on the evening of September 9 at Viet Tri Stadium, Phu Tho. The result confirmed Vietnam as group winners with a perfect nine points, securing their sixth consecutive qualification for the continental finals.
Heading into the decisive fixture, both Vietnam and Yemen were level on six points, with coach Kim Sang Sik’s side holding the advantage on goal difference. This meant that a draw would have been enough for Vietnam to qualify, but defeat could have left their spot in jeopardy. Despite the high stakes, Kim made bold choices by resting key attackers Nguyen Dinh Bac and Nguyen Van Truong, instead handing starts to Nguyen Quoc Viet and Nguyen Thai Son.
The opening exchanges reflected the tension of the occasion, as both sides adopted a cautious approach. Vietnam enjoyed more possession but found it difficult to break down Yemen’s defense. The hosts’ frustration was evident when Kim made a triple substitution in the 40th minute, bringing on Dinh Bac, Nguyen Thanh Nhan, and Le Van Thuan to inject fresh energy.
The changes quickly lifted Vietnam’s tempo. In the 42nd minute, defender Nguyen Hieu Minh came close with a powerful shot inside the box, only for a Yemen player to block bravely. Just before halftime, goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien produced a superb save to deny Hamzah Ahmed Mahross’s dangerous header from a corner, keeping the score level at the break.
Yemen pressed higher after halftime, knowing only victory would guarantee their progression. They squandered their best chance in the 59th minute when Mahross found himself unmarked inside the six-yard box, only to fire over the crossbar with the goal at his mercy.
That miss proved costly as Vietnam struck decisively in the 70th minute. Thanh Nhan combined neatly with Le Van Thuan on the edge of the penalty area before surging into the box and firing low past goalkeeper Osamah Ali Mokref at the near post. The goal sent the packed Viet Tri Stadium into raptures and ultimately secured Vietnam’s qualification.
Vietnam closed out the match with composure, sealing all three points and finishing the group stage with three wins from three matches. Meanwhile, Yemen, who collected six points from their two earlier victories, must now wait to see if they rank among the four best runners-up across the 11 groups to advance to the finals in Saudi Arabia.
For Vietnam, the result not only ensured progression but also showcased the team’s growing maturity under Kim Sang Sik. The Golden Dragons will now look ahead to the finals with momentum and belief as they continue their quest for continental success.
Hong Phuc
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