Hanoi, 3 May 2026 – Media outlets in Yemen have shared notable assessments of Group C ahead of the AFC U17 Asian Cup, with particular respect shown toward Vietnam U17 National Football Team. Although Yemen are preparing intensively with strong determination, local experts still admit their side will face a major challenge in the opening match.
According to Sahaafa, the Yemen U17 team are currently in the final stage of preparations at a training camp in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The report stated that the squad has been maintaining high-intensity sessions under head coach Haitham Al-Asbahi and his assistants, focusing on fitness, tactical organization, and teamwork ahead of the continental tournament.
Sahaafa described the atmosphere within the squad as “highly disciplined and full of enthusiasm,” adding that the players have shown clear improvement both physically and technically. Training sessions have reportedly been designed to ensure the team reaches peak condition before the tournament begins, with special attention placed on tactical drills and physical endurance.
However, when discussing Yemen’s opening clash against Vietnam U17 on May 7, the outlet adopted a cautious tone. Sahaafa wrote: “The match against Vietnam U17 will be a real test for Yemen U17’s ambition of qualifying for the FIFA U17 World Cup. Vietnam are a rapidly developing side with a balanced and talented squad in this tournament. Even though it is only the opening round, this could become a decisive match in the race for qualification from the group.”
Another Yemeni outlet, Al Sahwa, also described Group C as one of the most unpredictable groups in the competition. The newspaper praised Vietnam U17 as a strong and difficult opponent to defeat.
“Statistics are putting pressure on the Southeast Asian representatives,” Al Sahwa noted. “Vietnam U17 have failed to beat Yemen in their last three meetings, recording two draws and one defeat. However, that does not mean they should be underestimated. Past results are only references because the current Vietnam U17 team has improved significantly.”
The report also recalled the two sides’ most recent encounter in the AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers, where Vietnam held Yemen to a 1-1 draw. According to Al Sahwa, Vietnam’s youth football system has made major progress in both organization and player quality, making the team far stronger than before.
Meanwhile, Yemen-Press commented: “Vietnam U17 are a well-organized and disciplined team. That alone will create many challenges for Yemen U17 in the opening match, despite our extensive preparations.”
Alongside analyzing Vietnam, Yemeni media also highlighted their own team’s preparation process. After a five-week training camp in Sanaa, the coaching staff finalized a 23-player squad before traveling to Saudi Arabia for the final phase of preparation. Friendly matches against domestic clubs such as Al-Ahli, Al-Wahda, and Al-Yarmouk have also helped the team gain valuable experience ahead of the tournament.
VSN/RPT
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