Vietnam dominates Hong Kong 9-1 in Asian futsal qualifiers

Tu Minh Quang's hat trick propelled Vietnam to a resounding 9-1 victory over Hong Kong in their opening Group E match of the 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers on Tuesday.

Ranked 26th in the world, Vietnam entered the match against 123rd-ranked Hong Kong as the clear favorite. Their history included two wins and a draw against Hong Kong, with 14 goals scored and two conceded. Coach Diego Giustozzi's blend of experienced players and young talent quickly established control, creating numerous scoring opportunities.

Vietnam celebrates their 9-1 victory over Hong Kong in the opening Group E match of the 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers at the Linping Sport Center Gymnasium, Hangzhou, China, on Tuesday. Photo: VFF

Vietnam opened the scoring in the 5th minute with a decisive shot from Chau Doan Phat that went through the goalkeeper's legs. A minute later, Nguyen Thinh Phat capitalized on a defensive error to make it 2-0. Nhan Gia Hung extended the lead to 3-0 in the 10th minute.

Despite conceding three early goals, Hong Kong struggled to mount a cohesive attack. Vietnam's defense easily neutralized their disjointed efforts. Nguyen Da Hai and Pham Duc Hoa added two more goals in the 18th and 19th minutes, respectively, bringing the halftime score to 5-0.

Hong Kong increased their tempo and pressed forward in the second half. In the 22nd minute, Lee Ho Yin scored for Hong Kong with a powerful shot that found the top corner of Pham Van Tu's net.

Vietnam responded quickly. Just a minute later, Tu Minh Quang restored the five-goal advantage with a precise finish, making it 6-1.

Captain Pham Duc Hoa advances the ball during Vietnam's 9-1 victory over Hong Kong in the opening Group E match of the 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers at the Linping Sport Center Gymnasium, Hangzhou, China, on Tuesday. Photo: VFF

In the 32nd minute, Hong Kong's Chow Ka Lok Leo received a red card for a foul on Vu Ngoc Anh. Vietnam capitalized on the man advantage, with Tu Minh Quang scoring his second goal to make it 7-1.

Back to full strength in the 34th minute, Hong Kong switched to a power-play strategy, leaving them vulnerable at the back. Vietnam exploited these gaps, scoring two more goals in the 34th and 40th minutes through Nguyen Manh Dung and Tu Minh Quang, completing his hat trick and sealing a 9-1 victory.

The 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers feature 31 teams divided into eight groups. The eight group winners and the seven best second-placed teams will qualify for the final tournament in Indonesia.

Vietnam is in Group E with Hong Kong, China, and Lebanon. The matches are taking place from 20/9 to 24/9 at the Linping Sport Center Gymnasium in Hangzhou, China. Giustozzi's team aims to win the group and secure a spot in the finals.

Vietnam will face hosts China on 22/9 at 6:30 p.m.