Saudi Arabia, 13 January 2026 – U23 Vietnam continued their impressive run at the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 by edging hosts U23 Saudi Arabia 1-0 in the final Group A match, sealing a historic perfect group-stage campaign and a place in the quarter-finals.
The U23 Vietnam once again delivered a composed and disciplined performance at the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026, defeating hosts U23 Saudi Arabia 1-0 in the final Group A match to qualify for the quarter-finals with a flawless record.
Vietnam entered the clash with six points from two previous wins, but the coaching staff had warned that a heavy defeat against the hosts could still put qualification at risk. Head coach Kim Sang-sik surprised many by rotating all three forwards, handing first starts to Le Viktor, Nguyen Ngoc My, and Nguyen Cong Phuong.
Although U23 Vietnam started with confidence, the attacking reshuffle disrupted their offensive rhythm. Throughout the first half, the Southeast Asian side struggled to create any truly dangerous chances toward the Saudi goal.
On the opposite side, U23 Saudi Arabia, under pressure to secure a win, pushed their lines higher and controlled possession. In the 34th minute, Salem Al Najdi broke down the left flank and fired a diagonal shot that forced goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien into a sharp save. Eight minutes later, the post came to Vietnam’s rescue following a powerful header from Thamer Al Khaibri. Before the interval, centre-back Nguyen Hieu Minh made two crucial last-ditch interventions to keep the score level.
After surviving the opening 45 minutes, Kim Sang-sik adjusted his approach early in the second half by introducing first-choice striker Nguyen Dinh Bac. The forward was fortunate to escape a red card in the 48th minute after a challenge from behind on Rakan Al Ghamdi.
Saudi Arabia continued to enjoy greater possession but found it difficult to break down a well-organized Vietnamese defense marshalled by Trung Kien. At the same time, news filtered through that U23 Jordan had scored against U23 Kyrgyzstan, a development that visibly affected the hosts’ morale.
Vietnam remained patient with a compact defensive setup and relied on quick counter-attacks as the Saudi side grew increasingly anxious. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 65th minute. A swift move down the left flank, initiated by Ngoc My, saw Dinh Bac burst into space before finishing decisively at the near post to beat the Saudi goalkeeper.
The goal lifted Vietnam’s confidence, and the team responded with a disciplined and resilient defensive display in the closing stages. Led by goalkeeper Trung Kien, the back line held firm under pressure until the final whistle.
At full time, Dinh Bac and his teammates celebrated an emotional 1-0 victory over the hosts. U23 Vietnam topped Group A with a perfect nine points from three matches, becoming the first Vietnamese team to complete a flawless group stage at a continental tournament.
U23 Jordan advanced alongside Vietnam as Group A runners-up with six points, while U23 Saudi Arabia (three points) and U23 Kyrgyzstan (zero points) were eliminated at the group stage.
Hong Phuc – Hanh Phuong
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