On 24/4, at Gelora Delta Stadium in Indonesia, Vietnam secured a 3-0 victory over Malaysia in the final, setting a record with four AFF U17 Championship titles. The team maintained an unbeaten run with four victories, scoring 19 goals and conceding just one, the fewest in the tournament.

Coach Cristiano Roland expressed pride and happiness with the achievement, despite a limited preparation period of just over a week before the tournament. "It's not easy to implement a new football philosophy with players in such a short time", Roland stated at the post-match press conference. "However, the players' dedication made the difference. They understood the coaching staff's tactical intentions very well".

Coach Cristiano Roland (in blue) and final's best player Nguyen Van Duong attend the post-match press conference after the 3-0 victory over Malaysia at Gelora Delta Stadium in Indonesia on 24/4/2026. Photo: Doan Huynh

The Brazilian coach noted that the players learned to overcome challenging matches, such as the semi-final against Australia, by making smarter decisions. Their smooth ball circulation, well-organized formation, and quick transitions showed significant improvement. Set-piece routines also enriched their scoring opportunities.

Midfielder Chu Ngoc Nguyen Luc was named player of the tournament, while Ly Xuan Hoa earned the best goalkeeper award. Nguyen Van Duong, Le Sy Bach, Le Trong Dai Nhan, Dao Quy Vuong, Nguyen Manh Cuong, and Nguyen Huynh Dang Khoa were among other players who made their mark.

Key moments from Vietnam's 3-0 victory over Malaysia in the AFF U17 Championship 2026 final.

"This isn't just about winning a tournament; it's about creating a unique identity. These players are the future", Roland stated. "My task is to ensure they are equipped with all necessary tools, from tactical mindset to technical skills, to represent the national team".

The AFF U17 Championship 2026 marks Coach Cristiano Roland's first title in his third year leading the U17 national team, having worked with two different generations of players. He has guided the team through a 16-match unbeaten streak in official competitions, including the finals, Asian qualifiers, and the Southeast Asian tournament, with 11 victories.

Roland believes the team is on the right track to confidently enter the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 finals, scheduled from 5/5 to 22/5 in Saudi Arabia. Vietnam is in Group C, alongside South Korea, Yemen, and UAE. The team's objective is to finish in the top 2, advance to the quarterfinals, and secure a spot in the FIFA U17 World Cup 2026.

"The tournament level is higher and more challenging", Roland noted. "But with the spirit and performance shown in the Southeast Asian tournament, I have a strong belief that they will achieve their goal".

Hieu Luong