Vietnam’s U23 national team defeated the United Arab Emirates 3‑2 after extra time on January 16, 2026, at Al‑Maktoum Stadium in Dubai, securing a place in the semi‑finals of the Asian Cup U23 2026. The winning goal came from Minh Phúc in the 100th minute, followed by a late strike from Trần Văn Hùng.
Match Summary
First Half
UAE opened the scoring in the 23rd minute through forward Al‑Mansoori. Vietnam responded quickly, equalising in the 38th minute when striker Trần Văn Hùng capitalised on a swift counter‑attack. Both teams created several chances, but the half ended 1‑1.
Second Half
The second half remained tightly contested with few clear opportunities. Neither side could break the deadlock, and the match proceeded to extra time tied at one goal each.
Extra Time
In the first period of extra time, Minh Phúc delivered a decisive strike in the 100th minute after receiving a corner, giving Vietnam a 2‑1 lead. UAE equalised eight minutes later when Al‑Mansoori scored his second goal, making it 2‑2. The decisive moment arrived in the final minutes of the second extra‑time period when Trần Văn Hùng headed the ball into the net from a corner, sealing a 3‑2 victory for Vietnam.
Road to the Quarterfinals
Vietnam entered the tournament as group leaders, defeating Japan and South Korea in crucial group‑stage matches. In the round of 16, they overcame Thailand 2‑0, showcasing a potent attack and a resilient defence that set the stage for the quarter‑final clash with UAE.
Significance and Future Outlook
The triumph marks Vietnam’s first appearance in the top four of an Asian U23 competition, highlighting the effectiveness of head coach Nguyễn Hữu Thắng’s tactics and the nation’s youth development program. Advancing to the semi‑finals, Vietnam will likely face a regional powerhouse such as Japan or South Korea on January 20, offering a platform for emerging talents like Minh Phúc and Trần Văn Hùng to attract international attention. The VFF has pledged continued investment in youth academies to sustain this pipeline of talent.
Conclusion
Vietnam’s U23 side demonstrated grit, strategic acumen, and youthful energy by edging UAE 3‑2 after 120 minutes. Their success not only propels them into the semi‑finals but also signals a promising future for Vietnamese football on the Asian stage.
