Vietnam started strong and created their first chance in the 11th minute when Van Thanh capitalized on a poor clearance by Cambodian goalkeeper Keo Soksela, but his shot went wide. Six minutes later, Hai Long received a pass from the left wing and unleashed a powerful shot, but it was wildly off target.

Vietnam’s attacking efforts paid off in the 26th minute. From a free kick 20 meters out, Hai Long curled the ball into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Soksela helpless.

However, Vietnam’s defense quickly lost focus, allowing Cambodia to threaten goalkeeper Dinh Trieu’s goal. Souhana latched onto a cross from the right but fired over the bar.

Vietnam regained control and doubled their lead in the 35th minute. After a chaotic sequence in the box, substitute Van Vi reacted quickly and hammered the ball into the back of the net from close range. Vietnam nearly made it 3-0 four minutes later when Hai Long’s long-range shot forced Soksela into a diving save.

The first half ended with Vietnam dominating possession, while Cambodia managed only two on-target shots that posed little danger to goalie Dinh Trieu.

After the break, Vietnam ceded control to Cambodia. In the 61st minute, the visitors had a golden chance when Andres Nieto failed to convert a low cross in front of an open goal.

Vietnam responded through Hai Long’s solo effort, but Soksela remained alert to deny him.

Cambodia continued to push forward, and in the 64th minute, substitute Bong Samuel fired a stunning long-range shot into the net, reducing the deficit to 2-1.

Vietnamese players increased their intensity. Both Tien Linh and Chau Ngoc Quang attempted shots, but they failed to restore the two-goal cushion.

In the 84th minute, Vietnam finally created a clear attacking move. Van Vi broke free and attempted a lob over the goalkeeper, but Soksela read the play perfectly and made the save.

Four minutes later, Truong Tien Anh threatened again with a near-post strike, but his shot lacked the power to beat the Cambodian keeper.

The match ended with a narrow 2-1 win for Vietnam, but this hard-fought victory requires coach Kim Sang-sik and his men to work hard ahead of their upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.

Vietnam have been drawn in Group F along with Malaysia, Nepal, and Laos. They are scheduled to play Laos on March 25 at

At home, the national team will play matches against Laos on March 25 and Nepal on October 9 this year, and Malaysia on March 31, 2026.

UAE referee to officiate in Vietnam-Laos Asian Cup qualifier

VOV.VN - Yahya Ali Almulla, a referee from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will officiate the match between Vietnam and Laos in the qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced.