Vietnam U17 team wins record 14-0, coach Kim Sang-sik has a full squad.
Vietnam U17 won 14-0 against Northern Mariana Islands U17, with Tran Manh Quan shining. The U23 team welcomed Dinh Bac, Minh Phuc, and Ly Duc early, securing a full squad to face Laos U23 on December 4th.
Vietnam U17 scored a resounding 14-0 victory against Northern Mariana Islands U17 in the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers, while Vietnam U23 received a boost in personnel as Dinh Bac, Minh Phuc, and Ly Duc will join the team early to prepare for the match against Laos U23 on December 4th. In addition, Vietnam U17 temporarily tops Group C thanks to a superior goal difference, while the U22 team still needs to refine their playing style for the SEA Games 33.
- Coach Cristiano Roland was pleased with the discipline and attitude displayed in the 14-0 victory.
- Tran Manh Quan contributed 2 goals and 2 assists; Vietnam U17 team looks forward to the match against Hong Kong U17.
- Vietnam U17 leads Group C with a goal difference of +20, while Malaysia U17 only has +1.
- Vietnam U23 will soon have a full squad as Hanoi FC releases players after November 27th; U22 still needs to overcome weaknesses in preparation for the SEA Games 33.
Vietnam U17 14-0: A record and a message of discipline
The 14-0 victory against the Northern Mariana Islands U17 team was not only the biggest scoreline of 2025 across all national team levels, but also highlighted the discipline that coach Cristiano Roland emphasized. He was pleased that his players maintained a serious attitude and adhered to the tactical plan until the very last minute.
On a day when the attack was in full swing, Tran Manh Quan made his mark with 2 goals and 2 assists, but humbly admitted that he still needs to improve his finishing skills. This is a stepping stone for Vietnam as they head towards their next challenge against U17 Hong Kong.
Group C favors Vietnam U17.
While Vietnam U17 secured a resounding victory, their direct competitor, Malaysia U17, only managed a 1-0 win against Hong Kong U17. Both teams have 6 points, but Vietnam U17's goal difference is +20, far exceeding Malaysia U17's +1. This difference strengthens their confidence for the crucial matches ahead.
Vietnam U22 team heading to SEA Games 33: has stamina, but still lacks tactical depth.
The goal of winning the SEA Games 33 gold medal was considered "within reach" thanks to the experienced squad, but the Panda Cup test revealed two concerns: the ability to defend against aerial balls and the deadlock in organizing attacks when lacking a playmaker.
Van Truong's absence due to injury created a void in the role of controlling the tempo and linking play. In attack, the team has many promising players but lacks a typical center forward to decide matches. However, the defense maintained stability and discipline, providing a foundation for the coaching staff to improve their execution within the limited time available.
Vietnam U23 has a full squad to face Laos U23.
Hanoi Police FC (CAHN) has agreed to release its players early. The trio of Dinh Bac, Minh Phuc, and Ly Duc will fly to Ho Chi Minh City to join the team immediately after their AFC Champions League 2 match on November 27th. This means the Vietnam U23 team will have its strongest squad available for their opening match against Laos U23 on December 4th.
With the team seeking to increase their goal-scoring sharpness, Dinh Bac's presence is expected to bolster the attacking line.
Southeast Asia shows promise in the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers.
The youth teams in the region have all made their mark. Laos U17 defeated Cambodia U17 5-1 to lead Group B, Thailand U17 beat Mongolia U17 4-0 in Group F. Myanmar U17 also won both of their first two matches in Group G, showing positive signs of youth development in the region.
| Match/Event | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam U17 vs Northern Mariana Islands U17 | 14-0 | Table C |
| U17 Malaysia vs U17 Hong Kong | 1-0 | Group C |
| Laos U17 vs Cambodia U17 | 5-1 | Leading Group B |
| Thailand U17 vs Mongolia U17 | 4-0 | Table F |
| Myanmar U17 | — | Winning both of their first two matches in Group G |
The Football Association of Malaysia faces difficulties due to FIFA sanctions.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has lost its strategic sponsor, Bank Islam, after being fined by FIFA for irregularities in the player naturalization process. The bank's shareholders are concerned about the damage to its reputation if the partnership continues. Furthermore, FAM has had its budget cut by the Malaysian Ministry of Youth and Sports, exacerbating its financial difficulties.
