Nguyen Le Phat shines: Coach Kim Sang-sik's solution leads Vietnam U23 to the semi-finals.
The goal against the UAE U23 team not only helped Vietnam U23 reach the semi-finals but also affirmed the remarkable maturity of 19-year-old talent Nguyen Le Phat.
Vietnam U23 officially secured their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship after a thrilling 3-2 victory over UAE U23. Amidst the dramatic atmosphere of the quarter-final match, Nguyen Le Phat – the youngest player on the team – shone brightly, becoming the central figure with the crucial opening goal, fully repaying the trust placed in him by coach Kim Sang-sik.
A moment of intense killer instinct.
The turning point of the match came in the 40th minute, when both teams were maintaining a cautious, back-and-forth game. In a textbook quick transition, striker Dinh Bac made a powerful run down the wing before delivering a sharp cross into the penalty area.
With his keen positioning, Nguyen Le Phat was in the right place at the right time, executing a decisive tap-in to beat the UAE goalkeeper. This goal not only broke the deadlock but also showcased the natural goal-scoring instinct of the 2007-born striker – a rare quality in players making their debut on the continental stage.
The sweet fruits of PVF's training academy and European experience.
Nguyen Le Phat's development is not the result of chance. Having grown up in the prestigious PVF academy, this player from Lam Dong province was quickly honed in a professional football environment. In particular, a short training camp at Deinze MSK in Belgium is considered key to elevating his competitive spirit.
The European football environment has honed Le Phat's intelligent off-ball movement and tenacious mentality against physically superior opponents. Although his opportunity arose partly due to the absence of his senior teammate Vi Hao due to injury, Nguyen Le Phat's consecutive starts in four matches this year demonstrate the incredible physical fitness and consistency of the 19-year-old player.
Coach Kim Sang-sik's gamble paid off.
The decision to give Le Phat a starting spot demonstrates the sharp tactical vision and courage of coach Kim Sang-sik. Instead of prioritizing experienced players, Kim gambled on the youth and desire to prove himself of the youngest striker in the squad.
Besides scoring goals, Le Phat also made positive contributions to the overall gameplay with high-pressure pressing and good connections with surrounding players. In return for that trust, he not only played a goal-scoring role but also became a crucial link in the system operated by the South Korean strategist.
The goal against the UAE U23 team will undoubtedly be a historic milestone in Nguyen Le Phat's career. With the valuable experience gained at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship, this young man has the perfect stepping stone to become a key player for the national team in the not-too-distant future.
