Cambodia snatches semi-final spot from U19 Vietnam

Trailing 0-2 early, Cambodia fought back to draw 2-2 with Australia on the evening of 9/6, securing a semi-final berth at the U19 Southeast Asian Championship 2026 and eliminating Vietnam.

U19 Vietnam players (in white) during their 5-0 victory over Myanmar in the second match of Group A at the U19 Southeast Asian Championship 2026, on 4/6, in Indonesia. Photo: VFF

U19 Vietnam's hopes of advancing to the semi-finals of the U19 Southeast Asian Championship 2026 were dashed after Cambodia secured a dramatic 2-2 draw against Australia on 9/6. This result meant Cambodia progressed as the best second-placed team, eliminating Vietnam from the tournament.

The crucial match at Deli Serdang stadium initially seemed favorable for Vietnam. Australia quickly established a two-goal lead with strikes in the 3rd and 18th minutes, maintaining this advantage until halftime. However, the second half saw a determined Cambodian side, facing elimination, go all out. In contrast, Australia's play lacked intensity. The young Australian players missed opportunities to extend their lead and showed defensive lapses, which Cambodia capitalized on with goals in the 60th and 82nd minutes.

The 2-2 draw held until the final whistle, ensuring Australia finished top of Group C. Cambodia, with 4 points, claimed second place and surpassed Vietnam's 3 points, becoming the best second-placed team to earn the final semi-final ticket.

Order of second-placed teams
Team	Matches	Goal difference	Points
Cambodia	2	+3	4
Vietnam	2	+4	3
Malaysia	2	+2	3

The U19 Southeast Asian Championship is taking place in Medan and Deli Serdang, Indonesia, from 1/6 to 13/6. Group A includes Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Timor Leste. Group B consists of Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, while Group C features Australia, Cambodia, and the Philippines.

The three group winners and the best second-placed team advance to the semi-finals. Due to Group C having only three teams, results against the last-placed team in Groups A and B are not considered when determining the best second-placed team.

U19 Vietnam entered this tournament without their strongest squad, as some players were busy with graduation exams or V-League commitments. Notable absences included HAGL talents Dinh Quang Kiet (center-back) and Tran Gia Bao (forward). Young forward Nguyen Le Phat also missed out due to playing for Ninh Binh, while Belgian-rooted forward Pham Anh Khoi (Royal Antwerp) suffered a ligament tear.

Despite their group stage exit, the U19 Southeast Asian Championship 2026 provided an opportunity for Japanese head coach Ikeuchi's players to gain experience. Following this regional tournament, Vietnam will assemble its strongest squad for the U20 Asian qualifiers, scheduled from 31/8 to 6/9. There, the team will compete in a group alongside North Korea, Iran, and Palestine.