Vietnam defeat Yemen to reach AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Finals

Vietnam edged out Yemen 1-0 in the final match of the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers held at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho province on September 9 evening.

With this victory, Vietnam finished at the top of Group C with nine points, officially securing a place in the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Finals, scheduled for January 2026.

Yemen opted for a defensive strategy to earn at least one point, focusing all their efforts on defence, which made it challenging for the home team to approach the goal.
Minh Phuc of Vietnam (red) and Yemen players vie for the ball in the match on September 9. (Photo: VNA)

However, coach Kim Sang-sik's tactical adjustments dismantled the opponent's plan. In the 70th minute, substitutes Van Thuan and Thanh Nhan combined effectively to score the only goal in this pivotal match for Group C.

Nhan's decisive diagonal shot concluded the Asian qualification round with Vietnam achieving a perfect record of wins and no goals conceded. This top position in the group also marks the sixth consecutive appearance of Vietnamese youth football in the Asian finals.

With this victory, Vietnam became the first Southeast Asian representative to secure a ticket to the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 finals in Saudi Arabia next year.