Viet Tri, 9 September, 2025 – On the evening of September 8, during the final training session before the decisive clash with U23 Yemen, captain Khuat Van Khang affirmed that U23 Vietnam will step onto the pitch with the highest goal of winning to secure their place at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup as group leaders.
“U23 Yemen are a strong team, having also won two matches like us. This will be a game where both sides are determined to qualify. U23 Vietnam will focus to the maximum and play our best. We always aim for victory, especially when playing at home to show gratitude to the fans,” Van Khang emphasized ahead of training at the Phu Tho Sports Training Center.
Following the hard-fought 1-0 win against U23 Singapore, U23 Vietnam immediately reviewed and analyzed the match to address shortcomings, particularly in finishing. According to Van Khang, this has been a limiting factor in the team’s first two games.
“We worked very hard in attack, but sometimes we were unlucky with shots hitting the woodwork or being denied by excellent goalkeeping. We will try to capitalize on our chances more effectively,” the Viettel FC midfielder explained.
Currently, U23 Vietnam sit top of Group C with six points and a superior goal difference. A draw against U23 Yemen would be enough for qualification to the finals in Saudi Arabia next January. However, captain Van Khang insists the team’s mentality is to fight for all three points and complete the group stage with a perfect record.
“Our spirit is to always aim for nine points. We want to finish in first place convincingly,” he added, before sending a message to the supporters: “Over the past two matches, we have felt the incredible support from the fans. We hope in the final game, everyone will come to the stadium once more to push us forward.”
The decisive fixture between U23 Vietnam and U23 Yemen will take place at 7:00 p.m. on September 9 at Viet Tri Stadium, Phu Tho. Earlier at 4:00 p.m., U23 Singapore will face U23 Bangladesh in a match of little consequence, with both teams already eliminated after two defeats.
On the Yemen side, striker Abdo Al Awami, who scored the dramatic stoppage-time winner against Bangladesh on September 6, also expressed determination: “U23 Vietnam are a very strong opponent. However, with our team’s effort and determination, we believe we can beat them and take all three points. Only by finishing first in the group can we guarantee a spot in the finals.”
The match promises to be a tense and decisive battle, with both Vietnam and Yemen eyeing the group’s only automatic qualifying spot.
Trong Dat
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