Indonesia, 1 June 2026 – Hoang Cong Hau scored a hat-trick as Vietnam U19 opened their ASEAN U19 Championship 2026 campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Timor-Leste U19.
Facing Timor-Leste in their opening Group A fixture, Vietnam saw the match as an opportunity to secure three points and improve their goal difference in the race for a semi-final spot. Coach Yutaka Ikeuchi’s side made the perfect start, taking the lead just two minutes into the game.
After receiving a well-timed through ball from Duc Vu, Hoang Cong Hau broke clear of the defense and calmly lifted his finish over the goalkeeper to put Vietnam ahead.
The early goal allowed Vietnam to control possession, but they struggled to add to their advantage despite creating several chances. In the 35th minute, Cong Hau came close to doubling the lead, only to see his effort strike the post.
Timor-Leste, meanwhile, remained dangerous on the counterattack and created a number of opportunities of their own. Goalkeeper Hoa Xuan Tin played a key role in preserving Vietnam’s lead with several important saves.
Looking to improve their midfield control, Vietnam introduced Nguyen Van Bach and Quang Anh after the break. However, despite dominating possession, the team continued to waste chances and found it difficult to break down their resilient opponents.
As Timor-Leste began to tire in the closing stages, Vietnam finally found the breakthrough they had been searching for. In the 83rd minute, Cong Hau met a cross from the right flank and finished expertly to make it 2-0.
The young striker then completed his hat-trick in first-half stoppage time, racing clear from the left wing before firing into the far corner to seal a 3-0 win.
Cong Hau, a product of the The Cong Viettel academy, is currently on loan at Hue FC and plays in Vietnam’s Second Division.
The ASEAN U19 Championship 2026 is being held in Medan and Deli Serdang, Indonesia, from June 1 to June 13. The 11 participating teams are divided into three groups, with the three group winners and the best second-placed team advancing to the semi-finals.
Vietnam are competing in Group A alongside Indonesia, Myanmar, and Timor-Leste. Their next match will be against Myanmar U19 on June 4.
Notably, Vietnam entered the tournament without several key players due to graduation exams and club commitments. Among the most significant absences are Hoang Anh Gia Lai prospects Dinh Quang Kiet and Tran Gia Bao, while Nguyen Le Phat remains with Ninh Binh FC and Belgian-Vietnamese forward Pham Anh Khoi is sidelined with a ligament injury.
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