AFC U17 Asian Cup 2025: Vietnam hold Australia to 1-1 draw
VOV.VN - Australia were held by Vietnam to a 1-1 draw in their Group B opener of the ongoing AFC U17 Asian Cup 2025 in Saudi Arabia on April 4 evening.
Despite being rated lower than their opponents, it was Vietnam who created the first dangerous chance. In the fifth minute, Viet Long beat an Australian defender and unleashed a powerful shot, but he failed to open the scoring.
The following period was filled with challenges for defender Le Huy Viet Anh who was named by AFC among the top players to watch at the tournament, and his teammates.
Australia’s attacking players were physically tall and strong, and technically skilled. Amlani Tatu and Akol Akon proved to be formidable in one-on-one situations. Tatu alone had at least three chances to score, but his finishing lacked precision or was blocked in time by Vietnamese defenders.
In the 29th minute, Hong Phong committed a foul on Tatu inside the penalty area. However, Quinn Macnicol failed to convert the resulting penalty, sending the ball crashing off the crossbar of Hoa Xuan Tin’s goal.
But just 12 minutes later, the same midfielder dribbled past defenders and struck a precise shot to open the scoring for Australia.
In reality, Vietnam still had chances to score. In the 45+3rd minute, Hoang Trong Duy Khang made a clever pass to Van Khanh, who unleashed a sharp shot, but goalkeeper Ajnovic managed to make the save. The 1-0 scoreline in favour of Australia accurately reflected the flow of the first half.
Heading into the second half, coach Cristiano Roland instructed his Vietnamese players to push higher up the pitch.
In the 50th minute, from a throw-in on the right flank, Van Bach had a smart touch to set up Hoang Trong Duy Khang, who fired a precise shot to level the score 1-1 for Vietnam.
That goal significantly boosted the team’s morale. However, the red-clad defenders continued to face immense pressure and held strong for most of Australia’s attacking plays.
In the 90+8th minute, Nguyen Luc made a brilliant run and his shot hit the post in a heartbreaking miss. In the end, Vietnam drew 1-1 with Australia in their Group B opener.
Vietnam are scheduled to take on Japan on April 7 and the United Arab Emirates on April 10.
Le Huy Viet Anh named among top players to watch at U17 Asian Cup
VOV.VN - The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has named Vietnamese defender Le Huy Viet Anh among the top players to watch at the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2025, due to start in Saudi Arabia on April 3.
