Needing a win to stay in contention, Vietnam faced a strong Thailand side playing at home and featuring several overseas-based players. The hosts quickly took control and applied sustained pressure from the outset.

Thailand opened the scoring in the 11th minute when Limpawanich capitalised on a corner-kick scramble to fire home from close range.

The lead was doubled in the 21st minute as Rinyaphat headed in a precise cross to make it 2-0.

Vietnam attempted to push forward in search of a response, but defensive lapses proved costly. Just before halftime, Kurisara dribbled past three defenders before unleashing a powerful strike to extend Thailand’s lead to 3-0.

After the break, head coach Okiyama Masahiko made tactical adjustments that improved Vietnam’s performance. The effort paid off in the 51st minute when Thuy Linh produced a stunning left-footed strike to pull one back, leaving the Thai goalkeeper with no chance.

Vietnam continued to press, with Thanh Hieu leading several attacking moves, but fatigue began to take its toll. Thailand remained composed, dropping deeper to protect their advantage.

In stoppage time, Rinyaphat sealed the victory with a well-taken free kick in the 90+3rd minute, completing a convincing 4-1 win for the hosts.

Following the defeat, Vietnam remain without a point after two matches. Their chances of reaching the quarter-finals are now slim, though they could still advance as one of the best third-placed teams if they defeat Bangladesh in their final group game.

Vietnam lose 0-3 to China in AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup opener

VOV.VN - Vietnam suffered a 0-3 defeat to China in their opening match of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 on April 1, as they were unable to overcome physically and technically superior opponents.