Having already defeated Hong Kong 9-1 and China 7-2, Vietnam needed only a draw against Lebanon to secure the top spot in Group E and a ticket to next year's AFC Futsal Championship in Indonesia. Even a narrow defeat, which would have placed them second in the group, would have been enough to qualify.

This comfortable position allowed coach Diego Giustozzi's team to enter the Linping Sport Center Gymnasium in Hangzhou with a relaxed mindset.

Vietnam finished the 2026 AFC Futsal Championship qualifiers with three wins, topping Group E and securing a place in the finals. Photo: AFC

Vietnam finished the 2026 AFC Futsal Championship qualifiers with three wins, topping Group E and securing a place in the finals. Photo: AFC

In contrast, Lebanon, with four points, needed a victory, or at least a draw, to finish second and maintain their hopes of qualification. However, they faced a formidable opponent in Vietnam, ranked 28 places higher in the FIFA rankings (54th compared to 28th).

After just eight minutes, Vietnam shattered Lebanon's resistance. Fixo Nguyen Manh Dung intercepted the ball and passed it across to pivo Nguyen Da Hai, who tapped it in from close range to open the scoring. Just 15 seconds later, Manh Dung doubled the lead with a decisive shot, putting his own name on the scoresheet.

Da Hai opened the scoring in Vietnam's 4-0 win over Lebanon in the final Group E match of the 2026 AFC Futsal Championship qualifiers on 24/9 at the Linping Sport Center Gymnasium in Hangzhou, China. Photo: AFC

Da Hai opened the scoring in Vietnam's 4-0 win over Lebanon in the final Group E match of the 2026 AFC Futsal Championship qualifiers on 24/9 at the Linping Sport Center Gymnasium in Hangzhou, China. Photo: AFC

Conceding two quick goals, Lebanon called a timeout to adjust their tactics, but to no avail. In the 11th minute, ala Vu Ngoc Anh set up ala Tu Minh Quang for a simple tap-in, making it 3-0.

The Lebanese coaching staff reacted strongly to this goal, claiming a prior foul by Vietnam. The referee promptly issued three yellow cards, cautioning the coach, the assistant coach, and a Lebanese player.

With a comfortable lead, Vietnam slowed down the tempo but maintained control of the game. Their fluid passing and intricate play made it difficult for Lebanon to keep up. In the 24th minute, Hassan Alme received a second yellow card for pulling an opponent's shirt. The Lebanese player reacted angrily, confronting the referee before being restrained by his coach.

With a man advantage, Vietnam capitalized as Ngoc Anh scored into an empty net to seal a 4-0 victory.

Vietnamese (red) and Lebanese players contest the ball in the final Group E match of the 2026 AFC Futsal Championship qualifiers on 24/9 at the Linping Sport Center Gymnasium in Hangzhou, China. Photo: AFC

Vietnamese (red) and Lebanese players contest the ball in the final Group E match of the 2026 AFC Futsal Championship qualifiers on 24/9 at the Linping Sport Center Gymnasium in Hangzhou, China. Photo: AFC

In the remaining minutes, Vietnam eased off the attack. Lebanon switched to a power-play strategy in search of a consolation goal, but they were unable to breach the Vietnamese defense.

With this defeat, the West Asian team finished the group stage with 4 points and a goal difference of -3. Their fate now depended on the outcome of the final match between China and Hong Kong. Hong Kong, with one point and a goal difference of -8, could still finish second if they won by a margin of five goals or more.

Meanwhile, coach Diego's team concluded the qualifiers with a perfect record: 9 points, 20 goals scored, 3 goals conceded, and a goal difference of +20.

Duc Dong