Nguyen Thanh Nhan's 70th-minute goal propelled Vietnam to a 1-0 victory over Yemen in the final match of Group C of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers. The team finished top of the group with 9 points, scoring 4 goals and conceding none, securing their place in the finals.

Following the match, coach Kim Sang-sik congratulated his players on achieving their objective. "I pointed out some areas for improvement, advising them to maintain composure in the penalty area and enhance their focus," Kim stated in the post-match press conference. "The team still has shortcomings, and the players need to work on improving everything when they return to their clubs."

Coach Kim Sang-sik speaks at the post-match press conference following Vietnam's 1-0 victory against Yemen in the final Group C match of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers at Viet Tri Stadium, Phu Tho, on 9/9/2025. Photo: Thu Khuc. *Italicized*

The South Korean coach urged his players to continue striving to enhance their skills. Winning the 2025 AFF U23 Championship and qualifying for the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup is just half the journey. Their next objectives are to secure the gold medal at the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand and perform well in the Asian Cup finals in Saudi Arabia.

At Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho, Vietnam faced a tough challenge against Yemen. The West Asian representatives demonstrated impressive stamina, relentlessly pursuing the Vietnamese players. Vietnam's attack struggled, prompting coach Kim to make substitutions as early as the 31st minute. Khuat Van Khang, Nguyen Quoc Viet, and Nguyen Ngoc My were replaced by Le Van Thuan, Nguyen Dinh Bac, and Nguyen Thanh Nhan.

"The tight match schedule in the qualifiers prevents us from using a single starting lineup," Kim explained. "I had initially planned to make substitutions in the second half, but I had to change the plan. During halftime, I made some adjustments that proved effective."

Nguyen Thanh Nhan (number 22) scores the only goal in Vietnam's 1-0 victory against Yemen in the final Group C match of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers at Viet Tri Stadium, Phu Tho, on 9/9/2025. Photo: Thu Khuc. *Italicized*

Nhan's goal came after a one-two pass with Van Thuan near the right edge of the penalty area. The PVF-CAND forward, who missed the 2025 AFF U23 Championship due to injury, was understandably emotional after scoring the decisive goal.

"This goal is a huge relief for me," Nhan shared. "I'm incredibly happy, words can't express it."

Vietnam has now qualified for the AFC U23 Asian Cup finals for the sixth consecutive time. Their best result was finishing as runners-up in 2018.

The 2026 tournament will take place from 7/1 to 25/1/2026 in Saudi Arabia. Vietnam is currently the only Southeast Asian representative to have qualified. Indonesia has been eliminated, while Thailand is vying for a spot alongside Malaysia.