Vietnam continues dominant win at AFF U19 Championship

Forward Hoang Cong Hau shone again, leading Vietnam to a 5-0 victory over Myanmar in their second Group A match at the 2026 AFF U19 Championship this afternoon.

Goals: Tan Dung 29’, Cong Hau 45+2, Van Bach 49’, Duy Khang 63’, Thien Phu 84'.

Vietnam maintained their position at the top of Group A with a commanding 5-0 win against Myanmar. This victory not only secured their lead but also allowed coach Ikeuchi to rest key players and avoid any yellow cards, preserving the squad for the crucial upcoming match against Indonesia.

In their opening match on 1/6, Vietnam defeated Timor Leste 3-0, largely due to a hat-trick from Cong Hau. However, the team's overall play in that game was uninspired, with coordination lacking cohesion and the defense exposing vulnerabilities that opponents could exploit. Against Myanmar, Ikeuchi’s players demonstrated complete control of the game, showcasing a creative and effective attacking style.

Despite their dominance, Vietnam only broke the deadlock in the 29th minute. From a corner kick, the ball was sent to the far post, where Quoc Khanh headed it towards the center, allowing Tan Dung to connect with a header and open the scoring. In the 45+2 minute, following a scramble in the penalty area, Cong Hau was quick to react, scoring a close-range tap-in to extend the lead to 2-0. This marked his fourth goal in two matches for the The Cong academy product.

Vietnamese players celebrate their second consecutive victory at the 2026 AFF U19 Championship in Medan, Indonesia, on the afternoon of 4/6. Photo: VFF

Cong Hau continued to shine at the start of the second half. In the 49th minute, he broke free down the left wing, skillfully evaded two defenders, and then assisted Van Bach, who calmly slotted the ball into the far corner, making the score 3-0. In the 61st minute, Cong Hau again dribbled into the penalty box, rounded the goalkeeper, but was fouled, earning a penalty. Midfielder Duy Khang calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, converting from the right corner to make it 4-0. After contributing to three goals, Cong Hau was substituted to rest for the important final group match against Indonesia.

Even with several key players substituted, Vietnam’s strength remained undiminished. The substitutes played energetically despite heavy rain. In the 84th minute, from a corner kick delivered by Duy Khang, forward Nguyen Thien Phu rose highest to head the ball into the top corner, sealing a 5-0 victory.

A win against the host nation, Indonesia, will secure Vietnam's direct qualification to the semifinals. Even if they lose, Vietnam could still advance as the best-performing second-placed team, given their clean sheet record and a goal difference of +8.

The 2026 AFF U19 Championship is taking place in Medan and Deli Serdang, Indonesia, from 1-13/6. Eleven teams are divided into three groups, playing a round-robin format. The group winners and the best second-placed team will advance to the semifinals.

Group A consists of Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Timor Leste. Group B includes Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. Group C features Australia, Cambodia, and the Philippines.

The Vietnam U19 team is not at full strength, as some players are taking graduation exams or competing in the V-League. The two most notable absences are HAGL talents, center-back Dinh Quang Kiet and forward Tran Gia Bao. Young forward Nguyen Le Phat is also unavailable due to commitments with Ninh Binh, while forward Pham Anh Khoi (Belgian origin, Royal Antwerp) is out with a ligament rupture.

The AFF U19 Championship was first held in 2002. Thailand and Australia are the most successful teams, each having won the title five times. Malaysia and Indonesia have two titles each, while Vietnam has won it once, in 2007, when the tournament was held at Thanh Long Stadium, TP HCM.

Vietnam will face Indonesia on 7/6 at 8 PM.