Vietnam needed only a draw to advance but opted for a disciplined defensive approach, absorbing sustained pressure before capitalising on a rare attacking opportunity to eliminate Saudi Arabia, who attempted 26 shots during the match.

The decisive goal came in the 64th minute through Dinh Bac, while goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien delivered a standout performance, producing a series of crucial saves to keep Vietnam’s clean sheet intact.

Saudi Arabia controlled possession from the outset and created their first chance in the third minute, though a long-range effort from a striker failed to trouble the goal. Fourteen minutes in, Abdulaziz broke past a Vietnamese defender but fired over the crossbar.

Vietnam remained compact at the back, forcing the hosts to rely largely on shots from distance. Salem had two close-range opportunities in the 33rd minute, but both were denied by Trung Kien, who showed sharp reflexes in goal.

The first half ended goalless, with Saudi Arabia enjoying 66% possession and registering nine attempts on goal, while Vietnam’s defence and goalkeeper held firm under pressure.

Saudi Arabia continued to push after the break. In the 52nd minute, Thamer set up Abdulaziz for a powerful close-range strike, but Trung Kien was again equal to the effort, recording his fourth save of the match.

Vietnam, largely on the back foot, needed just one shot on target to turn the game. In the 64th minute, Dinh Bac burst into space to meet a through ball from a teammate and fired a precise shot from a tight angle past the Saudi goalkeeper.

The hosts mounted a late surge in search of an equaliser, but their best chance came in the 73rd minute when Al Obaid headed from close range, only to be denied by Trung Kien, who completed his sixth save of the match.

The victory made Vietnam the first Southeast Asian team in history to win all group-stage matches at the AFC U23 Asian Cup, and allowed them to avoid Japan in the knockout round. Vietnam will face either the United Arab Emirates or Syria in the quarter-finals.

After the match, head coach Kim Sang-sik praised his team’s commitment and discipline, saying it was a very difficult match, but the players fought hard to earn a historic victory.

He said he had not expected Vietnam to collect all nine points from three matches, adding that unity would be key in the knockout stage.

According to the Korean manager, his team will stay focused and united as they prepare for the quarter-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026.

In another Group A match at the same time, Jordan defeated Kyrgyzstan 1-0 to finish on six points from two matches, joining Vietnam in advancing to the quarter-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026.

Vietnam face Saudi Arabia in decisive Group A clash at AFC U23 Asian Cup

VOV.VN - The Group A match between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia on the evening of January 12 is set to play a decisive role in determining the final standings and the winners to advance to the knockout stage at the AFC U23 Asian Cup.