Goals: Le Phat 87' – Mahna 40', Osman 57'

Head coach Kim Sang-sik's team arrived in Qatar for a training camp on 26/12. After four days of practice, the team played a training match against West Asian representative Syria. Both teams agreed to a closed-door match, without spectators or media, to maintain confidentiality before the finals and allow unlimited substitutions.

Vietnam was without goalkeeper Nguyen Tan and forward Nguyen Thanh Nhan due to injuries. The remaining 23 players were given an opportunity to play.

Vietnam (in blue) lost 1-2 to Syria in a training match in Qatar on the afternoon of 30/12/2025 (Doha time). Photo: Doan Huynh.

Vietnam (in blue) lost 1-2 to Syria in a training match in Qatar on the afternoon of 30/12/2025 (Doha time). Photo: Doan Huynh.

The starting lineup featured goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien, fullbacks Pham Minh Phuc and Nguyen Phi Hoang, and a central defensive trio of Pham Ly Duc, Nguyen Hieu Minh, and Nguyen Nhat Minh. Nguyen Thai Son and Nguyen Xuan Bac managed the midfield, while the attacking trio consisted of Nguyen Dinh Bac, Khuat Van Khang, and Bui Vi Hao.

The match was evenly contested. Both coaches made continuous substitutions to test tactics and players. For instance, coach Kim Sang-sik replaced Dinh Bac with Le Van Thuan in the 27th minute. Players were instructed to play freely, adhere to tactics, and avoid injuries.

Nguyen Le Phat (in blue) scored in the 87th minute during Vietnam's 1-2 loss to Syria. Photo: Doan Huynh.

Nguyen Le Phat (in blue) scored in the 87th minute during Vietnam's 1-2 loss to Syria. Photo: Doan Huynh.

Vietnam conceded goals in the 40th and 57th minutes. In the 87th minute, Nguyen Le Phat, the team's youngest forward born in 2007, scored for Vietnam, setting the final score at 1-2.

Coach Kim Sang-sik's squad will continue training in Qatar before traveling to Saudi Arabia on 1/1. In Group A of the finals, the team will face Jordan on 6/1, Kyrgyzstan on 9/1, and Saudi Arabia on 12/1. Their goal is to advance past the group stage.

The 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup finals feature 16 teams divided into four groups. Teams will play a single round-robin format, with the four group winners and four group runners-up advancing to the quarterfinals. This year's tournament is not a qualifier for the 2028 Olympics.

Hieu Luong