Vietnam secured a 3-2 victory over UAE at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium on 16/1, advancing to the semifinals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026. The Vietnamese team took the lead twice, in the 39th and 62nd minutes, with goals from Nguyen Le Phat and Nguyen Dinh Bac. UAE fiercely countered, leveling the score in the 42nd and 68th minutes. However, Pham Minh Phuc's decisive goal in the 101st minute secured the win for the dominant team.

Coach Kim Sang-sik expressed pride in his players' 120-minute fight, emphasizing that their spot in the semifinals was well-deserved. "This victory once again confirms that Vietnam can elevate its level and compete in Asia," Kim stated at the post-match press conference. He added, "We reached the semifinals through the players' sacrifice, dedication, and hard work. The team will continue to prepare well to overcome limits and challenges."

Coach Kim Sang-sik attends the post-match press conference at the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 finals. *Photo: AFC*

The Korean coach noted that the match plan unfolded smoothly, but UAE proved to be a formidable opponent. However, he remained undeterred. Even as the game entered extra time, the coaching staff saw opportunities emerging. "The players were very tired, but I believed UAE was even more fatigued. Therefore, I instructed them to continue pushing forward and attacking," Coach Kim revealed. "I am very happy and grateful that the players followed my instructions with a determined fighting spirit."

Vietnam's goals in this match came unconventionally. After Tran Trung Kien's goal was under constant threat, Dinh Bac displayed skillful play, crossing the ball for Nguyen Le Phat to open the scoring, relieving pressure. The second goal resulted from an impromptu back-header by Dinh Bac. The third came from a daring run forward and skillful play by center-back Nguyen Nhat Minh, before Pham Minh Phuc unexpectedly appeared in the penalty area to seize the opportunity and score. In contrast, UAE lacked tactical variety, focusing on wing attacks, and both their goals originated from crosses and headers.

Recognizing the danger from UAE's wing play, Coach Kim Sang-sik brought on Vo Anh Quan to strengthen the right-wing defense. This tactical adjustment aimed to prevent crosses and avoid conceding more goals, while also increasing offensive power and speed as the opponents became fatigued.

This marks Vietnam's second appearance in the AFC U23 Asian Cup semifinals, following their 2018 run under Coach Park Hang-seo. The team will face the winner of the Uzbekistan versus China quarterfinal tonight, 17/1. Coach Kim stated: "We will analyze and monitor that match. The entire team must prepare in good physical condition. We will continue to embrace challenges, overcome limits, and believe we have a chance to win and reach the final."

The AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 semifinals will take place on the evening of 20/1.

Hieu Luong