* Vietnam – Yemen: 7 p.m. Tuesday 9/9, on VnExpress.

Both Vietnam and Yemen have 6 points after two matches in Group C of the 2026 U23 Asian Cup qualifiers. However, Kim Sang-sik's team is in first place due to a superior goal difference (+3 compared to +2). Therefore, a draw in today's final match against Yemen will secure Vietnam the top spot and a place in the final tournament, which will be held in Saudi Arabia in January.

Despite victories against Bangladesh and Singapore in the first two matches, Vietnam's performances haven't been entirely convincing. The team dominated possession and created numerous chances but struggled to finish effectively. With better finishing, Vietnam could have achieved more decisive wins.

Khuat Van Khang (right) and his teammates during a training session on the afternoon of 8/9 in preparation for today's match against Yemen. Photo: Thu Khuc

"In the last two matches, the whole team worked hard to score, but the opposing goalkeepers played very well in many situations. We were also unlucky with shots hitting the crossbar and post. However, we will strive to improve in the final match," said midfielder Khuat Van Khang. "Vietnam won't play for a draw; we want to win against Yemen to give a gift to the fans and secure maximum points."

Coach Kim has identified Yemen as the main competitor for the qualifying spot and has rotated his squad to ensure key players are in peak physical condition for this match. Important players like Viktor Le, Dinh Bac, Quoc Viet, and Thanh Nhan are almost certain to start, aiming to make a difference and convert opportunities into goals. "We have studied the opponent very carefully, and we see that Yemen plays confidently and with good ball control. Therefore, the whole team must play solidly and take advantage of opportunities," Khang added.

In addition to the home advantage and the psychological comfort of needing only a draw, Vietnam also has a solid defense. Trung Kien, Ly Duc, Nhat Minh, and Hieu Minh have played well together, keeping clean sheets in both previous matches.

However, Vietnam's goals have come late in matches when opponents were tiring. Unlike Bangladesh and Singapore, Yemen has good stamina and plays with intensity until the final whistle. In the 2024 U23 Asian Cup qualifiers, Vietnam also struggled to beat Yemen 1-0 on 9/9/2023, thanks to a goal by Bui Vi Hao at the Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho.

Forward Nguyen Thanh Nhan dribbles the ball during the 1-0 victory against Yemen on 9/9/2023 at Viet Tri Stadium, Phu Tho, in the 2024 U23 Asian Cup qualifiers. Photo: Hoang Tung

Yemen must defeat Vietnam to secure a direct ticket to the final tournament. A draw might be enough for them to qualify as one of the four best second-placed teams. However, striker Abdo Al Wami is confident of victory against the host nation. "Vietnam is very strong, but we are determined and will give our best effort to secure three points," he said.

Coach Al Sunaini also affirmed that his players will play with the highest spirit and ambition to overthrow Vietnam from the top spot.

The 2026 U23 Asian Cup qualifiers took place from 3/9 to 9/9, with 44 teams divided into 11 groups across 11 countries. The teams played a single round-robin format, with the 11 group winners and the four best second-placed teams joining host nation Saudi Arabia in the final tournament.

Predicted lineups:

Vietnam: Trung Kien, Hieu Minh, Ly Duc, Nhat Minh, Anh Quan, Phi Hoang, Xuan Bac, Viktor Le, Van Khang, Dinh Bac, Thanh Nhan.

Yemen: Osamah, Maroof, Godaimah, Dugin, Al Baton, Al Turaiqi, Moqbel, Ebraihim, Masnom, Al Sharafi, Agag.

Duc Dong