On 16 January 2026, Vietnam U‑23 defeated the United Arab Emirates 3‑2 in a thrilling quarter‑final at Dubai’s Al‑Maktoum Stadium, securing a spot in the 2026 AFC U‑23 Championship semifinals. Goals from Nguyễn Văn Đạt, Lê Ngọc Bảo, Phạm Huy Hoàng and a late strike by Trần Văn Hùng clinched the win, marking Vietnam’s first appearance in the tournament’s last four.
Match Highlights – Vietnam 3-2 UAE
The game opened with Nguyễn Văn Đạt scoring in the 12th minute, giving Vietnam an early lead. UAE equalised through Ali Al‑Mansoori six minutes later, but Lê Ngọc Bảo restored the advantage with a curling free‑kick in the 33rd minute. After a 2‑2 deadlock at halftime, substitute Phạm Huy Hoàng broke the tie in the 71st minute, and Trần Văn Hùng sealed the victory with a tap‑in in the 86th minute.
Goal Timeline
- 12′ – Nguyễn Văn Đạt (Vietnam)
- 18′ – Ali Al‑Mansoori (UAE)
- 33′ – Lê Ngọc Bảo (Vietnam)
- 45+2′ – Saeed Al‑Mansoori (UAE)
- 71′ – Phạm Huy Hoàng (Vietnam)
- 86′ – Trần Văn Hùng (Vietnam)
Vietnam’s Road to the Quarterfinals
Coached by South Korean tactician Kim Sang‑Sik, Vietnam entered the tournament as underdogs in a group with Thailand, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. A 1‑0 win over Thailand, a draw with Iraq and a narrow victory against Saudi Arabia propelled the Golden Star Warriors to the knockout stage, where they eliminated defending champions South Korea in a penalty shoot‑out.
Tactical Masterclass by Coach Kim Sang‑Sik
Kim Sang‑Sik blended a disciplined defensive shape with rapid transition play. The strategy limited UAE’s aerial dominance and created space for quick counter‑attacks, a pattern that produced the decisive goals from Hoàng and Hùng. His approach has sparked interest among other Southeast Asian federations seeking foreign expertise for youth development.
What the Semifinal Means for Vietnamese Football
- Regional Prestige: Vietnam breaks the East Asian stronghold on the AFC U‑23 later stages, boosting Southeast Asian confidence.
- Player Development: Standout performers Đạt, Bảo and Hoàng attract attention from V.League 1 clubs and foreign scouts, accelerating pathways to senior national duty.
- Coaching Influence: Success validates the import of experienced international coaches for youth programs.
- Future Challenge: The semifinal opponent will emerge from the Uzbekistan‑China quarter‑final, presenting a test of set‑piece resilience and finishing efficiency.
Fan Celebration Across Vietnam
Streets in Hanoi filled with chants of “Vàng Sao” as supporters gathered around televisions. The Vietnamese Football Federation announced a celebratory reception, highlighting the team’s achievement as a milestone in the nation’s football evolution.
As the tournament moves to its climax in Doha, Vietnam U‑23 stands ready to write a new chapter in Asian football history.
