Vietnam U17 wins 2-0, Minh Thủy honored by AFC.
Vietnam U17 defeated Hong Kong U17 2-0 at PVF (Hung Yen), leading Group C with 9 points after 3 matches. Minh Thuy scored a spectacular long-range goal and was honored by the AFC as the best player.
Vietnam U17 defeated Hong Kong U17 2-0 in the third match of Group C of the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers at PVF Stadium (Hung Yen) on November 26, 2025. Minh Thuy opened the scoring with a long-range shot in the 10th minute and was named Man of the Match by the AFC; Nguyen Manh Cuong sealed the victory in the 70th minute. Coach Cristiano Roland's team achieved a perfect 9 points after 3 matches, maintaining their top position in the group.
The crucial moment: a game-changing masterpiece.
U17 Vietnam established a proactive game right from the opening whistle. In the 10th minute, Minh Thủy unleashed a powerful long-range shot, opening the scoring at 1-0 and giving the home team a psychological boost. The goal came after a series of missed opportunities, demonstrating a patient yet decisive approach to finishing from the second line.
Second half: pressing and finishing from set pieces.
After the break, Vietnam U17 maintained the pressure. In the 70th minute, from a corner kick, Nguyen Manh Cuong rose high and headed the ball accurately into the net, increasing the score to 2-0. The scenario remained largely unchanged despite Hong Kong U17's efforts to fight back at the end of the match: the Vietnamese defense maintained their formation, neutralized aerial balls, and preserved the score.
Tactical approach: impose early, capitalize on the moment.
The biggest highlight was their ability to control the tempo and choose the right moment to accelerate. The Vietnam U17 team dominated possession from the start, creating numerous clear chances before breaking the deadlock with long-range shots – an effective solution when the opponent is defending deep. The second goal came from a set piece, reflecting the meticulous preparation in the "details" that decided the match.
Conversely, the defense showed discipline as the Hong Kong (China) U17 team pushed their formation higher: the gaps between the lines were narrowed, limiting direct penetrations and shots in dangerous areas.
Statements after the match
Minh Thủy shared: “I am very happy and delighted to have scored. The schedule of 5 matches in 10 days forced the coach to rotate the squad to maintain the best physical condition for the whole team. I thank the fans for always supporting us throughout the past 3 matches. The enthusiastic support from everyone truly inspired us to fight for our team's colors.”
Key match information
| Mold | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | PVF (Hung Yen) |
| Score | Vietnam U17 2-0 Hong Kong U17 |
| Score a goal | 10' Minh Thủy (long-range shot), 70' Nguyễn Mạnh Cường (header from corner kick) |
| Best player | Minh Thủy (honored by AFC) |
| Performance after 3 matches | 9 points, leading Group C |
The situation in Group C and its impact.
The victory helped Vietnam U17 consolidate their top position and clearly demonstrated their ambition to qualify for the 2026 AFC U17 Championship finals. In other matches of the same round, Singapore U17 defeated Northern Mariana Islands U17 2-1; Malaysia U17 overcame Macau U17 (China) 5-0. These results made the race in the chasing group even more dramatic, while coach Cristiano Roland's team maintained the initiative with consistent performance over three rounds.
From a spectacular opening goal to a decisive header, the Vietnam U17 team demonstrated versatility and the ability to control the game. This forms the foundation for their long-term goals in the qualifying campaign.
