Right after the opening whistle, U22 Vietnam completely took control of the match. Their fluent attacks down both flanks clearly reflected coach Kim Sang-sik’s intention to implement high pressing. In the 16th minute, Thanh Nhan produced a skillful header from Van Khang’s cross, but the ball brushed wide by inches.
In the 29th minute, Minh Phuc surged forward and laid the ball back precisely for Dinh Bac, giving Vietnam a 1–0 lead.
However, in the 40th minute, following a turnover in midfield, Laos launched a quick counter-attack and exploited gaps in Vietnam’s defense to equalize at 1–1.
In the second half, head coach Kim Sang-sik instructed his team to increase the tempo. U22 Vietnam continued to press forward, generating a series of chances. Controversy arose in the 59th minute when Dinh Bac’s strike was initially disapproved for offside, prompting protests from both coaches. After a review, the goal was awarded in the 63rd minute, putting Vietnam ahead 2-1.
Over the remaining 30 minutes, Vietnam continued to control the match. Nevertheless, chances in the 73rd, 80th, and 87th minutes were missed, leaving the margin at just one goal. The match ended with a 2–1 win, a deserved result that did not fully reflect Vietnam’s dominance.
Speaking after the match, coach Kim Sang-sik said: “The most important thing is that Vietnam U22 got three points in the opening match. But I regret that we could have scored more. We need to improve our finishing and maintain concentration throughout the game.”
Meanwhile, Dinh Bac shared: “I’m happy to help the team win, but we still have to work harder in the next matches. Everyone prepared well and we will be more determined to perform better.”
With this result, Vietnam U22 have three points and a +1 goal difference, temporarily topping Group B. Malaysia U22, who have yet to play, are second with 0 points and a goal difference of 0, while Laos U22 sit bottom with 0 points and a -1 goal difference.
In the second Group B match, Malaysia U22 will face Laos U22 on November 6. In the final Group B fixture, Vietnam U22 will take on Malaysia U22 at 4:00 PM on December 11, in what is considered a decisive match for the top spot in Group B.
HY