U22 Vietnam edge Laos to claim important opening victory at SEA Games 33

Overcoming the expected difficulties of an opening match, U22 Vietnam successfully completed their most important task by taking all three points in a 2–1 victory over U22 Laos in Group B of the SEA Games 33 men’s football competition. As coach Kim Sang-sik had predicted before kick-off, his players were pushed to their limits by a much-improved Laos team that operated with impressive discipline throughout the match.

U22 Vietnam entered the game with confidence and produced the first attempt of the match with a shot from Khuat Van Khang in the seventh minute. The first truly dangerous opportunity came in the 26th minute when Nguyen Dinh Bac directed a header toward the far corner, forcing goalkeeper Lokphathip Kop into a full-stretch save. Only three minutes later, Vietnam found the breakthrough. Right-back Pham Minh Phuc surged down the flank and delivered a precise cross that bypassed the entire Laos defence, allowing Dinh Bac to tap into an empty net and open the scoring.

However, U22 Laos demonstrated their progress immediately. From a right-sided corner just three minutes after conceding, Vietnam failed to clear the ball cleanly and Khampane Douangvilay reacted quickly to finish from close range, bringing the match back to level terms. Vietnam nearly restored the lead shortly before half-time when Thanh Nhan’s rebound effort struck a Laos defender and grazed the top of the crossbar.

In the second half, Vietnam continued dominating possession and created multiple chances. Striker Nguyen Quoc Viet missed two excellent opportunities early in the period, while Minh Phuc sent a volley narrowly wide. The pressure eventually paid off in the 60th minute. Receiving a pass from Thanh Nhan just outside the box, Dinh Bac showed great composure before curling the ball beautifully into the far corner. The goal was briefly disputed when assistant referee Sanjar Shayusupov raised his flag, indicating that Quoc Viet interfered with play from an offside position. After a discussion, referee Rustam Lutfullin overturned the signal and awarded the goal to Vietnam.

The second goal intensified the final moments of the match. Dinh Bac came close to completing his hat-trick on three occasions but failed to convert. U22 Vietnam were also saved by goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien, who produced a crucial one-on-one stop against Khampane to deny Laos an equaliser. Showing greater maturity and match control in the final stages, Vietnam maintained their 2–1 advantage until the final whistle.

Although the victory was laborious, U22 Vietnam secured a vital three points to temporarily lead Group B and begin their SEA Games 33 campaign on a positive note. Coach Kim Sang-sik’s squad will now wait until December 11 for their final group match against U22 Malaysia. On December 6, the team will closely observe Malaysia’s opening match against U22 Laos as part of their tactical preparation.

 Thanh Tung