Match report of Vietnam U23 vs UAE tonight, January 16th.

Link to watch the Vietnam vs UAE football match today, January 16, 2026

The match between Vietnam U23 and UAE U23, taking place at 6:30 PM today, January 16, 2026, will be broadcast live on TV360, the unit that owns the broadcasting rights for the 2026 AFC U23 Championship. VTV will also broadcast this match live on VTV2, VTV5, and VTV Can Tho (formerly VTV6).

VTV2:https://vtvgo.vn/channel/vtv2-1,2.html

VTV5:https://vtvgo.vn/channel/vtv5-1,5.html

VTV6:https://vtvgo.vn/channel/vtv-can-tho-1,6.html

Live commentary of the Vietnam U23 vs UAE football match.

FULL TIME – THE MATCH ENDS

Vietnam U23 defeated UAE U23 with a score of 3-2, officially securing their place in the semi-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Championship.

121' – Dangerous cross

The UAE U23 team delivered a cross from the left wing with a very tricky trajectory towards the far post. Al Marzouqi rushed in but only managed to head the ball, which went just over the goal line.

120' – ​​Van Khang makes a crucial save

High balls continued to create chaos in front of the Vietnam U23 goal. Van Khang threw himself in to block a shot, before the red-shirted defense managed to clear the ball away.

117' – Khalfan's shot goes over the crossbar.

After several unsuccessful attempts at crosses, the UAE U23 team had a chance when the ball found Khalfan's feet. However, in an unfavorable position, his shot went over the crossbar.

111' – Ly Duc is fouled.

Following a header pass from a UAE U23 player, Al Menhali burst into the penalty area looking for a shot. Ly Duc was fouled by the opponent. Despite repeated protests from the UAE U23 team, the referee maintained his decision to allow Vietnam U23 to take a free kick.

109' – Dangerous free kick

Dinh Bac took a free kick from nearly 40 meters out on the left wing. The ball was struck with power and was difficult for goalkeeper Tawhid to catch, and it bounced away. Unfortunately, Anh Quan slipped while rushing in to take the rebound.

End of the first extra time period.

The first period of extra time has ended.Vietnam U23 is currently leading UAE U23 3-2.The two teams switched sides and immediately went into the second period of extra time.

105+1' – Extremely dangerous corner kick

The UAE U23 team was awarded a corner kick on the right wing, the ball swirling straight towards the goal, forcing Trung Kien to make a save. The Vietnam U23 defense didn't clear the ball decisively in the first instance but managed to break up the wall in time. The subsequent cross was easily caught by Trung Kien.

104' – Missed header

The UAE U23 team continued to cross the ball from the right wing, the ball found Yadoo's position, but in a difficult position, his header went too high.

101' – Minh Phúc puts Vietnam ahead!!!

From Dinh Bac's header, Nhat Minh showed his technical skill in the midfield, dribbling past two UAE U23 players before his shot hit an opponent. Thanh Nhan was quick to connect with the ball, creating an opportunity for...Minh PhucHe turned and fired a powerful shot from close range from the penalty spot, giving Vietnam U23 a 3-2 lead.

99' – A free kick causes chaos.

Dinh Bac earned a free kick for Vietnam U23 on the left wing and also delivered a curling cross into the goal area. The UAE U23 defense managed to clear the ball in time to avert the danger.

91' – First extra time period begins

The first period of extra time officially begins, with the UAE U23 team kicking off.

90+6' – A disappointing result for Vietnam U23

Vietnam U23 has the opportunity to seal the match whenAnh QuânHe took a shot inside the penalty area, but the ball narrowly missed the post of the UAE U23 goal. Immediately after this, the referee blew the whistle to end the 90 minutes of regular time and the two teams went into extra time.

90+4' – An inaccurate cross.

CaptainVan KhangHe made a great effort to stay close to the left flank before crossing the ball into the box, but the ball went too deep and wide.

90' – Injury time in the second half

Vietnam U23 had another beautiful passing combination in front of the penalty area, butThanh NhanThe opposing defender closed in on him, causing his shot to miss the target. Injury time was added to the second half.5 minutes.

80' – Ndiaye's shot goes over the crossbar.

Sosu controlled a high pass from his teammate and then released the ball inside. Ndiaye turned and volleyed from an awkward position, causing the shot to fly over the crossbar of the Vietnam U23 goal.

77' – Vietnam U23 makes a substitution.

Coach Kim Sang Sik decided to revamp the attack by bringing in...Thanh NhanandAnh Quâninto the field, replacingLe PhatandNgoc My.

76' – Counter-attack failed but the ball was regained.

A misplaced pass by the UAE U23 team opened up a counter-attacking opportunity for Vietnam U23, featuring Dinh Bac and Le Phat. Despite being challenged by the opponent, Dinh Bac showed determination by retreating to regain possession, successfully preventing a counter-attack from the UAE U23 team.

68' – UAE equalizes 2-2

Akonnor crossed the ball from the left wing into the penalty area. Al Menhali rushed in and headed the ball quickly before Hieu Minh could close in, sending it into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Trung Kien with no chance to save it.

62' – A spectacular backward header by Dinh Bac!!!

Minh Phúc feigned a cross from the right wing, then cut into the center before flicking the ball into the box with his left foot. Lê Phát lowered his head and released the ball with exquisite precision.North TempleHe rushed in and executed a dangerous backward header, putting Vietnam U23 ahead 2-1 against UAE U23.

58' – Missed free kick

Dinh Bac earned a free kick for Vietnam U23 from about 35 meters out on the left wing. He lofted the ball towards the far post, but goalkeeper Tawhid anticipated it well, jumping high to catch it before Hieu Minh could get to it.

54' – Dinh Bac's shot goes wide of the post.

Le Phat intercepted the ball in the midfield area, creating an opportunity for Dinh Bac to surge forward on the right side of the pitch. Pressed by a UAE U23 player, Dinh Bac decided to shoot from outside the penalty area, but the ball went wide of the far post.

52' – Ngoc My misses a chance

From a cross from the right wing by her teammate, Ngoc My had space to head the ball while unmarked. However, the shot lacked accuracy, sending the ball weakly and posing no threat to the UAE U23 goal.

50' – Pressure from corner kicks

Vietnam U23 were awarded two consecutive corner kicks. In the first instance, the ball deflected off a UAE U23 player's foot and went wide of the post. In the next instance, the ball hit Al Menhali's hand, but the player wearing number 10 had his arm close to his body. VAR intervened and confirmed there was no penalty.

47' – UAE increases pressure

Junior Ndiaye cut in from the right wing and delivered a cross into the penalty area. Al Menhali rose high to head the ball, but it wasn't dangerous enough to trouble goalkeeper Trung Kien.

46' – The second half begins

Vietnam U23 kicked off the second half. At the start of the half, coach Kim Sang Sik made a personnel change whenQuoc Cuongcame onto the field as a substitute forXuan Bacdue to injury problems.

45+5' – The first half ends.

The first half ended with the scoreVietnam U23 1-1 UAE U23, after the final minutes which were quite tense and fiercely contested.

45' – Added time in the first half

The referee added extra time to the first half.5 minutes.

42' – UAE quickly equalizes.

From an early cross from the right wing, the ball was sent to the far post where Al Memari rose high to head the ball against the crossbar. Junior Ndiaye was quick to react, heading the rebound into the net from close range to equalize 1-1 for the UAE U23 team.

39' – EXPLOSIVE OPENING GOAL!!!

Dinh Bac made his mark with a burst of speed down the left wing after a pass from Van Khang, beating Burghash before delivering a perfect cross to set up the ball.Le PhatA close-range tap-in put Vietnam U23 ahead 1-0!

38' – Heart-stopping moment at the goalpost

Following Ly Duc's indecisive clearance, the UAE U23 team regained possession, and Abdulaziz unleashed a powerful long-range shot. Trung Kien was beaten, but fortunately for Vietnam U23, the ball only hit the top of the crossbar.

35' – Narrow escape from defeat

The UAE U23 team launched an attack down the right wing and sent a high ball towards the far post. Despite being marked by two red-shirted players, Al Mameri still managed to leap high and head the ball, but fortunately it went wide of the Vietnam U23 goalpost.

34' – Vietnam U23 makes a substitution

Le Viktor was unable to continue playing after a jump and knee-to-head collision with a UAE U23 player. Coach Kim Sang Sik was forced to make a substitution, bringing Dinh Bac onto the field.

28' – No penalty

Al Menhali fell inside the U23 Vietnam penalty area after a challenge, but the referee shook his head and did not award U23 UAE a penalty.

25' – Tight game

"The Golden Star Warriors" are maintaining a tight defensive formation against the UAE U23 team. The West Asian team also doesn't dare to risk pushing their formation forward, resulting in a rather cautious pace of play.

24' – Caution is needed

The Vietnam U23 team has started to make some misplaced passes in the midfield area. The coaching staff will certainly instruct the players to minimize errors as much as possible, given that the opponent is always ready to launch quick counter-attacks.

18' – A well-planned combination play

From a cleverly executed pass by Van Khang, Le Viktor had a chance to break down the wing and cross the ball into the box. Unfortunately, his attempt to pass to Ngoc My was unsuccessful as the opponent anticipated the move.

15' – Goal disallowed

Al Menhali scored against Vietnam U23, but the goal was disallowed due to a handball during the preceding play.

14' – Defending in numbers

The UAE U23 team deployed a deep defensive formation with a large number of players in their own half, accepting to cede control of the game to the red-shirted team.

9' – Scrutinizing each other

Vietnam U23 controlled the game and organized calculated attacks, without rushing to increase the tempo. UAE U23 also proactively played safely, focusing on defense against pressure from their opponents.

7' – Actively closing down the opponent's defense.

The Vietnam U23 team played with great confidence, constantly pressing high in the opening minutes to put pressure on the opposing defense.

5' – A notable attacking move

Van Khang combined with Viktor on the left wing before crossing the ball into the penalty area. Le Phat was closely marked and therefore unable to head the ball into the net effectively.

1' – The match begins

The UAE U23 team had the first kick-off.

UAE U23 starting lineup

Tawhid, Al Mansoori, Al Shamsi, Al Memari, Ali Abdulla, Mansoor Al Menhali, Yousif Al Marzooqi, Solomon Sosu, Junior Ndiaye, Al Menhali, Richard Akonnor

Vietnam U23 starting lineup

Trung Kien, Hieu Minh, Ly Duc, Nhat Minh, Minh Phuc, Xuan Bac, Thai Son, Van Khang, Ngoc My, Le Phat, Le Viktor

Football match prediction: Vietnam U23 vs UAE U23

Vietnam U23: Discipline and Effectiveness

Vietnam U23 advanced to the quarterfinals with an impressive performance after winning all their group stage matches, most notably the victory against host nation Saudi Arabia U23. Under the guidance of coach Kim Sang-sik, the team displayed disciplined play, tight organization, and excellent control of the tempo.

Their strengths lie in a solid defensive system, quick transitions between attacking and defensive phases, and strong cohesion between the lines.

However, the fact that many key players have received yellow cards means that the Vietnam U23 team must play cautiously to avoid further losses.

UAE U23: Physical fitness and individual skills

The UAE U23 team possesses good physical fitness, high speed, and dynamic attacking players like Ndiaye and Al Menhali. Their playing style is characterized by direct attacks, exploiting the flanks, and quick counter-attacks.

However, the UAE's defense is not yet truly solid when facing teams capable of quick ball movement and good organization, and their recent form has been inconsistent.

This is a clash between the tactical discipline of the Vietnam U23 team and the individual strength of the UAE U23 team. If they control space well, limit long balls, and effectively utilize transitional situations, the Vietnam U23 team can make a difference in a tightly contested match.

Predicted score:Vietnam U23 1–0 UAE U23.