Gia Lai, 14 Nov 2026 – Vietnam U23 secured the 2026 International U23 Friendly Tournament title after battling to a 1-1 draw against Qatar U23 at Pleiku Stadium in Gia Lai on November 14. The result saw head coach Dinh Hong Vinh’s side finish top of the standings with seven points, earning the championship trophy and USD 100,000 in prize money.
Entering the final match with the advantage of needing only a draw to secure the title, Vietnam U23 nevertheless adopted an attacking approach. Head coach Dinh Hong Vinh selected a strong starting lineup featuring the forward trio of Khoa Ngo, Minh Tam and Van Thuan, who had also started the tournament opener against Thailand. The decision reflected the hosts’ determination to finish the competition positively rather than simply defend their position at the top of the table.
Qatar U23, however, proved to be formidable opponents as they gradually established control through disciplined positioning, physical strength and quick attacking combinations. Their ability to move the ball at pace forced Vietnam’s midfielders to drop deeper and provide additional defensive cover, limiting the hosts’ opportunities to launch effective counterattacks. The visitors eventually broke the deadlock in the 29th minute when Al Rawi burst down the right flank and unleashed a powerful shot that struck the post before rebounding off Farragalla and into the net.
The setback prompted a stronger response from Vietnam, who increased their attacking intensity and attempted to exploit space along both flanks. Van Thuan and Dang Khoa were particularly active in driving the team forward, but Qatar’s well-organised defence successfully dealt with most of the crosses delivered into the penalty area. Despite their improved possession and attacking movement, Vietnam were unable to find an equaliser before the interval.
The hosts emerged for the second half with renewed urgency and quickly increased the pressure on Qatar’s defence. Their efforts paid off in the 48th minute, when substitute Williams Minh Hoang produced an impressive run down the right wing before delivering a precise low cross into the penalty area. Minh Tam finished decisively past the Qatar goalkeeper, restoring parity at 1-1 and sparking celebrations among the home supporters at Pleiku Stadium.
Buoyed by the equaliser, Vietnam continued to press forward, forcing Qatar to defend deeper and disrupting the visitors’ attacking rhythm. However, with a draw sufficient to secure the championship, Dinh Hong Vinh’s players gradually adopted a more controlled approach after the hour mark. The hosts focused on maintaining possession, protecting the midfield and limiting Qatar’s opportunities to regain the lead.
Vietnam suffered a setback in the 74th minute when Williams Minh Hoang, whose introduction had helped change the course of the match, was forced off after aggravating an injury. Despite the loss of an important attacking option, the home side remained organised and disciplined as Qatar pushed forward in search of a late winner. Vietnam’s defenders maintained their concentration throughout the closing stages, successfully dealing with the visitors’ pressure to preserve the 1-1 scoreline until the final whistle.
The result confirmed Vietnam U23 as champions with seven points, completing an unbeaten tournament campaign against Thailand, Singapore and Qatar. The hosts’ performances demonstrated their ability to compete against opponents with different tactical approaches, while the final against Qatar highlighted their resilience after falling behind against physically stronger opposition.
For head coach Dinh Hong Vinh, the tournament provided an opportunity to assess the squad’s development and build greater understanding among players ahead of future international competitions. The championship victory, accompanied by a USD 100,000 cash prize, represents an encouraging achievement for Vietnam’s emerging generation of footballers.
With the Gia Lai tournament concluded, Vietnam U23 will now turn their attention towards preparations for the 2027 SEA Games and the 2028 AFC U23 Asian Cup qualification campaign. Their success on home soil offers a positive foundation for the challenges ahead, giving Dinh Hong Vinh and his players valuable confidence as they continue their development on the international stage.
VSN/RPT
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