"Congratulations to Vietnam. You won and deserved a direct ticket to the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup finals," Al Sunaini began in the post-match press conference at Viet Tri Stadium, Phu Tho on 9/9/2025.
Before this match, both teams had 6 points, but Vietnam ranked higher due to a superior goal difference. The host team therefore only needed a draw, while Yemen had to win to claim the top spot and a direct ticket to the finals. If they couldn't secure all 3 points, the visiting team still needed a positive result to compete for a wild-card spot among the 4 best second-placed teams.
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Coach Al Sunaini at the press conference after Yemen lost 0-1 to Vietnam in the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers, at Viet Tri Stadium, Phu Tho on 9/9/2025. Photo: Hoang Huynh |
Coach Al Sunaini at the press conference after Yemen lost 0-1 to Vietnam in the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers, at Viet Tri Stadium, Phu Tho on 9/9/2025. Photo: Hoang Huynh
With the home advantage and the support of thousands of fans, Vietnam started the match boldly, taking the offensive. However, the lack of decisive plays upfront prompted coach Kim Sang-sik to adjust his attacking strategy early, by bringing in Nguyen Thanh Nhan and Le Van Thuan from the 40th minute. These two players combined to score the only goal in the 70th minute. From a one-two pass on the right wing, Thanh Nhan broke into the penalty area and delivered a powerful shot into the near corner.
On the other hand, Yemen played a solid defensive counter-attacking game. They even created more scoring opportunities than Vietnam. If Ahmed Mahross had been more clinical, or goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien less assured, the hosts might have struggled to keep a clean sheet.
"We knew this wouldn't be an easy match, because Vietnam is a strong team, improving with each game," coach Al Sunaini commented. "We faced many difficulties, despite having chances. Yemen could have scored at the end of the first half. But Vietnam capitalized better. Anyway, I am satisfied because Yemen faced a top Asian team."
When asked about his impression of Vietnam's strengths, the coach said, "I think you played with a high team spirit, not focusing on any individual. I'm impressed by Vietnam's unity."
Concluding the group stage, Vietnam won all three matches, scoring 4 goals and conceding none, topping Group C with 9 points and securing their sixth consecutive appearance in the Asian Cup finals.
The AFC U23 Asian Cup finals will take place from 7/1 to 25/1/2026 in Saudi Arabia, with 16 teams. Vietnam has participated six times, the first being in 2016. The team's best result was runner-up in 2018, under coach Park Hang-seo.
Hieu Luong
