Coach Kim Sang-sik attended the press conference after the Vietnam - Kyrgyzstan match in the second round of Group A at the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026, held at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Arab Saudi on 9/1/2026. Photo: AFC

Vietnam secured a 2-1 victory over Kyrgyzstan, positioning themselves at the top of Group A with 6 points in the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026. This win places Vietnam three points ahead of Arab Saudi, though having played one more match. A draw or victory for the host nation against Jordan in the match starting at 23h30 would guarantee Vietnam a quarter-final spot one matchday early.

The match at King Abdullah Stadium saw Vietnam facing early pressure but earned a penalty in the 17th minute. Bakytbek Murzalim fouled Nguyen Le Phat inside the box, and Khuat Van Khang converted the opportunity with a low left-footed shot into the right corner, deceiving goalkeeper Nurlanbekov. However, Kyrgyzstan demonstrated effective pressing, leading to a Vietnamese error in the 44th minute. Center-back Nguyen Hieu Minh's misplaced pass allowed Marlen Murzakhmatov to score with a long-range shot from outside the penalty area, beating goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien and leveling the score.

The second half developed into a balanced and contested game. Vietnam found fortune in the 87th minute when center-back Pham Ly Duc delivered a cross from the right flank to the near post. Le Van Thuan headed the ball, which then deflected off Khristiyan Brauzman's leg, changing direction into the bottom left corner and leaving the Kyrgyzstan goalkeeper helpless to secure the winning goal.

Hieu Luong