Viet Tri, 4 Sep 2026 – Despite suffering two consecutive defeats, Vietnam U20 head coach Yutaka Ikeuchi insists his team will continue fighting as long as they retain even a mathematical chance of qualifying for the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027.
Vietnam suffered a 2-1 defeat to Palestine U20 at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho on the evening of September 3, leaving the hosts without a point after their opening two matches in Group C of the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Ikeuchi admitted that Vietnam had entered the game knowing victory was essential but failed to produce the required performance, particularly during the opening 45 minutes.
“This was a match we absolutely had to win. The players prepared well and adapted well in transition. However, in the first half, the team’s mentality and concentration were not really at the required level. In the second half, Vietnam U20 created much more pressure around the opposition’s goal, but our failure to score another goal ultimately led to this result.
“Palestine defended well and were dangerous on the counterattack. Our defending at decisive moments still showed a lack of experience. When you fail to convert the chances you create, you have to accept the result that follows.
“Although our chances are now very limited because of the goal difference, as long as there is still a mathematical possibility, we will continue fighting until the very end.”
Palestine, meanwhile, praised Vietnam despite securing a crucial victory over the hosts.
“Vietnam U20 are a strong team and also had home advantage. It was not easy to identify weaknesses in their game. Perhaps a loss of concentration was the reason they were beaten by North Korea U20.
“This was a difficult match for us because we had lost our opening game, but the players performed with a great sense of responsibility. They fought hard, gave everything and managed the game well. We created many opportunities and scored two goals.”
The result leaves Vietnam facing an extremely difficult route to the final tournament.
After defeats to North Korea U20 and Palestine U20, Ikeuchi’s side must now beat Iran U20 by at least two goals in their final Group C fixture while also hoping North Korea defeat Palestine to retain any chance of progressing.
The AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers feature eight groups, with the eight group winners and seven best runners-up joining the host nation at the final tournament.
Vietnam currently sit bottom of Group C with zero points and a goal difference of minus four.
Their hopes may now be hanging by a thread, but Ikeuchi has made his position clear: while qualification remains mathematically possible, Vietnam U20 will fight until the final whistle of their campaign.
VSN/RPT
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