U23 Vietnam edge Cambodia 2-1 to advance to AFF U23 Championship semifinals

Vietnam's U23 national football team defeated U23 Cambodia 2-1 in their final Group B match on the evening of July 22 to secure a place in the 2025 ASEAN U23 Championship semifinals.

U23 Cambodia adopted an aggressive approach, pressing high from the outset. In the 7th minute, Chou Sinti tested goalkeeper Trung Kien with a powerful long-range shot that required a difficult save.

U23 Vietnam gradually regained control of the game, dominating possession with up to 75%, but their final touches lacked precision. The breakthrough came in the 35th minute when Ly Duc rose highest to head in the opener from a right-wing corner. Just before halftime, Van Khang came close to doubling the lead, but Cambodian goalkeeper Lyheng made an excellent save.

Cambodia made three substitutions at the start of the second half and pushed forward in attack. Their persistence paid off in the 62nd minute when Rado Mon equalised with a well-placed header from a corner.

Under increasing pressure, coach Kim Sang-sik responded with key tactical substitutions. In the 83rd minute, two of the new entrants combined brilliantly, as Thanh Dat delivered a pinpoint cross for Dinh Bac, who headed home to seal the 2-1 victory for Vietnam.

The result helped Vietnam top Group B with six points and booked their place in the semifinals, where they will meet Group A runners-up U23 Philippines./.