Vietnam stages comeback to win opening match of AFC Futsal Asian Cup

Trailing Kuwait 2-0, the Vietnam futsal team secured a 5-4 victory in their opening match of the 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup on the evening of 27/1.

Vietnam's futsal team is ranked 20th globally, 20 places above Kuwait. However, the underdog opponent surprised by starting with an attacking style and repeatedly testing goalkeeper Pham Van Tu.

Before creating any dangerous opportunities, coach Giustozzi's players conceded a goal. In the 7th minute, ala Trinh Cong Dai lost possession in midfield, and Thamer seized the chance to unleash a long-range shot past Pham Van Tu, opening the scoring.

Two minutes later, from a sideline play, Vietnam's defense failed to clear the ball effectively, allowing Abdul Borashed to fire a powerful long-range shot into the top corner, extending the lead to 2-0.

Vietnam's players celebrate their 5-4 victory over Kuwait in their Group B opening match of the 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup, on the evening of 27/1 in Jakarta, Indonesia. *Photo: AFC*

After conceding two goals, Vietnam pushed their squad forward, attacking and pressing the opponent. In the 9th minute, Kuwaiti captain Alfadhel made a mistake, allowing Chau Doan Phat to gain possession, and the Vietnam ala capitalized with a powerful shot to reduce the deficit to 1-2.

In the 16th minute, from an assist by goalkeeper Van Tu, pivo Nguyen Thinh Phat skillfully controlled the ball before turning and firing a powerful shot into the roof of the net to equalize at 2-2. However, Kuwait regained the lead two minutes later when pivo Da Hai made a marking error, allowing Omar to break free and beat the Vietnamese goalkeeper for the third time, making it 3-2.

Determined not to be trailing at halftime, Vietnam launched a relentless attack, and with just one second remaining in the first half, captain fixo Nguyen Manh Dung tapped in a close-range shot to equalize at 3-3.

Returning after the break, Vietnam maintained the initiative, repeatedly threatening the opponent's goal. After the post denied an opportunity, in the 30th minute, ala Ngoc Anh dribbled into the penalty area and passed back, allowing ala Minh Quang to rush in and unleash a dangerous shot that bounced off both posts before finding the net, giving Vietnam their first lead.

Two minutes later, from a cleverly executed free-kick routine, Minh Quang passed across the penalty area for Manh Dung to subtly flick the ball into the opponent's net, extending the lead to 5-3.

Towards the end of the match, Kuwait employed a power-play, reducing the score to 4-5 with a powerful long-range shot from AbdulAziz Alsarraj. However, this was also the final score.

With a hard-fought 5-4 victory, Vietnam placed second in Group B. Thailand led the group after defeating Lebanon 2-0.

The AFC Futsal Asian Cup finals are taking place from 27/1 to 7/2 at the Indonesia Arena and Istora Gelora Bung Karno stadiums in Jakarta. 14 national teams are participating: Iran, Japan, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, South Korea, Kuwait, Tajikistan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, Vietnam, and Afghanistan. The teams are divided into 4 groups, competing in a single round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage.

Iran is the most successful team with 13 continental titles. The West Asian representative was also the first team to be crowned champion in 1999 and arrived in Indonesia as the defending champion. Japan claimed the other four titles in 2006, 2012, 2014, and 2022.

In Southeast Asia, Thailand has the best record, with runner-up finishes in 2008, 2012, and 2024. Vietnam finished fourth in 2016. Meanwhile, Indonesia's best achievement was reaching the quarterfinals in 2022, while Malaysia has never advanced past the group stage. This marks Vietnam's 8th participation in the Asian tournament. Additionally, the Vietnam men's futsal team has competed in two World Cups, in 2016 and 2021.