Vietnam U23 entered the match proactively and quickly applied pressure on Kuwait U23's half. In the first 8 minutes of the match, coach Dinh Hong Vinh's players registered 4 shots, with Le Phat hitting the post and the crossbar twice. In the 27th minute, Quoc Viet had another opportunity following a combination with Thanh Nhan, but his diagonal shot struck the post.
For the remainder of the first half, Vietnam U23 maintained their attacking momentum and created more chances, while Kuwait U23 played defensively and waited for counter-attacking opportunities. However, neither side managed to score before the break.
In the second half, the two teams continued to contest a tightly fought match. Kuwait U23 increased their pressure in midfield, while Vietnam U23 made tactical substitutions in attack, bringing on Ngoc My and Le Van Thuan.
In the 79th minute, Kuwait U23 was awarded a free kick outside the penalty box. Almatar Omar rose high to deliver a precise header, putting the West Asian side ahead 1-0.
Just 3 minutes later, Vietnam U23 found the equalizer. From a right-wing corner taken by Le Van Thuan, Ngoc My leaped to head the ball into Kuwait U23's net, leveling the score at 1-1.
In the remaining minutes, Vietnam U23 pushed their formation higher but could not score another goal. Ultimately, the two teams drew 1-1, earning 1 point each in the Group C opener.
In the other Group C match played on the same day, Uzbekistan U23 secured a 5-1 victory over the Philippines U23, temporarily taking the top spot in the group.
Following the draw against Kuwait U23, Vietnam U23 will look ahead to their second match against the Philippines U23, before their final group-stage clash against Uzbekistan U23.