Heading into the final matchday, Vietnam led Group A with 6 points, three points clear of both Indonesia and Malaysia. Coach Cristiano Roland's team needed only to avoid defeat to secure first place in the group, with elimination only possible if they lost by an 8-goal margin. In contrast, Indonesia had to win to advance.

With a comfortable position, the Vietnamese coaching staff continued to rotate the squad. Compared to their 10-0 victory over Timor Leste three days prior, Vietnam made three changes to their lineup, while retaining key players: goalkeeper Ly Xuan Hoa, captain and defender Nguyen Huynh Dang Khoa, Chu Ngoc Nguyen Luc, and Le Trong Dai Nhan.

Vietnamese midfielder Dao Quy Vuong (white jersey) in action during the 0-0 draw against Indonesia in the final match of Group A at the 2026 AFF U17 championship, at Gelora Delta stadium in Indonesia on 19/4/2026. *Photo: VFF*

The Vietnamese players stood firm against pressure from the opposing fans, denying Indonesia clear scoring opportunities. While Vietnam created more shots, Nguyen Luc, Van Duong, and Dai Nhan lacked precision in their attempts.

In the 23rd minute, Van Duong's shot to the lower left corner forced a difficult save from the Indonesian goalkeeper. He then shot wide of the right post from inside the box in the 45th minute. Eight minutes later, a cross from the left wing to the far post found Nguyen Luc, whose close-range tap-in was also denied by the opposing custodian.

The 0-0 draw was sufficient for Vietnam to conclude Group A at the top, having not conceded a single goal. Earlier in the tournament, the team had defeated Malaysia 4-0 and Timor Leste 10-0.

Vietnamese forward Nguyen Van Duong (white jersey) in action during the 0-0 draw against Indonesia in the final match of Group A at the 2026 AFF U17 championship, at Gelora Delta stadium in Indonesia on 19/4/2026. *Photo: VFF*

This marks the fourth consecutive tournament where Vietnam has advanced past the group stage. The team finished fourth in 2019 and 2024, and second in 2022. Vietnam also secured a second-place finish in 2016 and claimed three championships in 2006, 2010, and 2017. In contrast, this tournament marks Indonesia's first group stage exit after four consecutive appearances.

In the semifinals on 22/4, Vietnam will face Australia, the winner of Group C. The other semifinal match will feature Laos, Group B's winner, against Malaysia, who advanced as the best second-placed team.

The 2026 AFF U17 championship is being hosted in Indonesia from 11/4 to 24/4. Twelve teams are divided into three groups, competing in a single round-robin format. The three group winners and the best second-placed team will advance to the semifinals.

The AFF U16/U17 championship, first held in 2002, is currently in its 17th edition. Historically, the tournament has occasionally expanded to include guest teams from outside the region, such as Japan, China, Bahrain, and Bangladesh.

Thailand, Vietnam, and Australia lead in championship titles with three wins each. They are followed by Myanmar, Indonesia, and Malaysia with two titles apiece, and Japan with one.

Hieu Luong