Heading into the match at Sumatera Utara Stadium, Vietnam only needed a draw to secure top spot in the group and a place in the last four. Coach Yutaka Ikeuchi opted for an attacking lineup, naming key players such as Hoang Cong Hau, Nguyen Van Bach, Gia Hung, and Duy Khang in the starting eleven.
However, backed by a crowd of more than 25,000 supporters, Indonesia applied relentless pressure and capitalized on a defensive lapse midway through the first half. In the 22nd minute, a miscommunication at the back allowed the hosts to regain possession, and striker Salempessy punished Vietnam by breaking into the penalty area and finishing past goalkeeper Hoa Xuan Tin to open the scoring.
Facing the prospect of dropping to second place, Vietnam responded with determination and increased their attacking intensity throughout the second half. Their persistence paid off in the 73rd minute when captain Nguyen Quoc Khanh rose highest to head home from Duy Khang’s corner, silencing the home crowd and leveling the match at 1-1.
The equalizer shifted the momentum, with Indonesia suddenly looking nervous and rushed in possession. Tensions soon escalated both on and off the pitch, culminating in a heated confrontation near the touchline in the 81st minute. The incident involved players and staff from both teams and resulted in a red card for a member of Vietnam’s coaching staff.
As the match entered stoppage time, drama struck once again. In the first minute of added time, referee Tamimoto Ryo from Japan awarded Indonesia a penalty following an aerial challenge inside the box. Vietnamese players protested and called for a VAR review, but the tournament does not use video assistant referee technology.
Evandra stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, restoring Indonesia’s lead at 2-1 and sending the home fans into celebration.
The hosts successfully held on during the remaining minutes to secure victory, clinch first place in Group A, and advance directly to the semi-finals.
Despite the defeat, Vietnam’s campaign is not yet over. With a strong goal difference boosted by their 5-0 win over Myanmar, they remain in contention for the tournament’s lone best runner-up berth. Their fate now depends on the outcomes of Groups B and C, which conclude on June 8 and 9.
If results elsewhere go in their favor, Vietnam could still reach the semi-finals, while Indonesia are set to face tournament favorites Australia U19 in the knockout stage.
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