* goals: Salempessy 22', Evandra 90+2 - Quoc Khanh 73'

Vietnam's U19 team suffered a 1-2 defeat to host nation Indonesia on 7/6 in a crucial group A match at the AFF U19 championship. The loss, sealed by a penalty in injury time, significantly complicates Vietnam's chances of advancing to the semifinals.

Before the match at Sumatera Utara stadium, Vietnam needed only a draw to secure first place in the group and a direct spot in the semifinals. Coach Ikeuchi deployed an offensive lineup, featuring key players like Cong Hau, Van Bach, Gia Hung, and Duy Khang from the start. However, facing pressure from 25,000 home spectators, the Vietnamese players appeared nervous and struggled to perform.

Indonesia capitalized on a defensive error in the 22nd minute. A hesitant back pass from Vietnam's defense allowed an opponent to intercept. The central defenders then misjudged the situation and missed a clearance, enabling striker Salempessy to enter the penalty area and beat goalkeeper Hoa Xuan Tin, opening the scoring.

Vietnamese players (in white) lost 1-2 to Indonesia in the final group A match of the AFF U19 championship in Indonesia. *Photo: ASEAN FOOTBALL*

A loss would have relegated coach Ikeuchi's team to second place, forcing them to await results from groups B and C to determine their semifinal fate. To avoid this uncertainty, Vietnam launched continuous attacks. In the 73rd minute, from a Duy Khang corner kick, captain and central defender Nguyen Quoc Khanh rose high to head in the equalizer, making it 1-1 and silencing the Sumatera Utara crowd.

With the momentum shifting, Indonesia found themselves at a disadvantage, leading to hasty decisions and unsporting behavior from their young players. Tensions escalated in the 81st minute when a member of the Vietnamese coaching staff attempted to prevent an Indonesian player from taking a throw-in, provoking a confrontation. Coaching staff and players from both teams clashed, and water bottles rained down from the stands onto the Vietnamese technical area. Japanese referee Tamimoto Ryo subsequently issued a red card to the Vietnamese coaching staff member.

In the remaining minutes, the young home players continued to play aggressively, feigning fouls. In the 90+1 minute, while attempting to clear a high ball in the penalty area, Nguyen Hoang Nam collided head-first with a home striker, leading referee Tamimoto Ryo to award a penalty. Vietnamese players appealed for a video assistant referee (VAR) check, but the tournament does not use referee assistance technology. From the penalty spot, striker Evandra deceived goalkeeper Xuan Tin, putting the hosts up 2-1.

After taking the lead, Indonesia continued with rough play. The home coaching staff even brought out buckets of water to pour along the touchline, aiming to disrupt Vietnamese players taking strong throw-ins. These tactics helped them hold on in the remaining minutes to secure a 2-1 victory and advance to the semifinals.

The AFF U19 championship is being held in Medan and Deli Serdang, Indonesia, from 1-13/6. Group A features Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Timor Leste. Group B includes Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. Group C comprises Australia, Cambodia, and the Philippines.

The three group winners and the best-performing third-place team will qualify for the semifinals. Vietnam still has a narrow chance to reach the semifinals, having previously defeated Myanmar 5-0 in the group stage. If they advance, Vietnam could face Thailand. Conversely, Indonesia will play championship favorites Australia. Groups B and C are scheduled to conclude on 8/6 and 9/6.

Duc Dong