Vietnam U22 aims for the final; Nam Dinh, despite winning 9-0, is still eliminated.
Vietnam U22 maintains top spot at SEA Games 33 and aims for the final, according to coach Kim Sang-sik; Yotsakorn Burapha surpasses Dinh Bac in the race for top scorer; Nam Dinh wins 9-0 but exits AFC Champions League Two due to goal difference.
Vietnam U22 finished the SEA Games 33 group stage at the top after a 2-0 victory over Malaysia U22, setting their sights on the final as instructed by coach Kim Sang-sik. Conversely, Nam Dinh thrashed Eastern FC 9-0 but were still eliminated from the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26 due to an inferior goal difference compared to Ratchaburi. The race for the SEA Games top scorer also shifted, with Yotsakorn Burapha pulling far ahead of Dinh Bac.
Coach Kim Sang-sik aims for the final.
Vietnam U22 defeated Malaysia U22 2-0 in their final group match, securing first place in the group with two early goals within just over 20 minutes. Their semi-final opponent will be the Philippines U22, and the message from the technical area was clear. Coach Kim Sang-sik said: “We hope to reach the final so we can return to the Rajamangala Stadium, where the Vietnamese national team won the ASEAN Cup earlier this year.”
From a technical standpoint, the two early goals helped the Vietnam U22 team control the tempo and reduce the risk against a Malaysia side forced to push forward. The victory had significant psychological implications ahead of the knockout round, as the ultimate goal had already been set in the locker room.
Bonus rewards provide extra motivation.
The U22 Vietnam team received 600 million VND from the Vietnam Football Federation after their victory over U22 Malaysia, securing the top spot in Group B. Meanwhile, the women's team's 2-0 win against Myanmar earned them first place in Group B and a spot in the semi-finals of the 2025 SEA Games, along with a 700 million VND bonus from the VFF.
Viktor Lê and a milestone for Vietnamese-born players.
After a decade, Viktor Lê became the first overseas Vietnamese player to start at the SEA Games, leaving his mark in Vietnam U22's victory over Malaysia U22. This detail shows that the depth of the squad is being expanded just as the tournament enters its decisive stage.
Yotsakorn Burapha accelerates, leaving Dinh Bac far behind.
Thailand U22 continued their dominant form with a 3-0 victory over Singapore, securing a perfect record after two matches, leading Group A, and earning a place in the semi-finals. Yotsakorn Burapha was the highlight with a brace, bringing his total to five goals in just two games. Previously, he scored a hat-trick in the 6-1 win against Timor Leste.
This achievement puts Yotsakorn three goals ahead of Dinh Bac in the race for the top scorer title in men's football at the SEA Games 33. With his high scoring efficiency and diverse finishing abilities, the 20-year-old striker is becoming a major variable in the knockout stage.
A moment of contrast: the Malaysian goalkeeper bursts into tears.
Following the 0-2 defeat against Vietnam U22 on the afternoon of December 11th, goalkeeper Zulhilmi Sharani shed tears as his team's chances of advancing dwindled. This was an emotional moment on a day when Vietnam U22 comfortably won the match.
Despite winning 9-0, Nam Dinh was still eliminated from the continental tournament.
On the evening of December 11th, Nam Dinh thrashed Eastern FC (Hong Kong, China) 9-0 in the final group stage match of the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26. However, the Vietnamese team was eliminated despite having the same 7 points as Ratchaburi of Thailand.
The reason stems from the ranking system: the two teams have the same number of points, a balanced head-to-head record (3-3), and the same overall goal difference (+7). The next determining factor is the total number of goals scored, and Nam Dinh is exactly one goal behind Ratchaburi.
| Index | Nam Dinh | Ratchaburi |
|---|---|---|
| Point | 7 | 7 |
| Confrontation | 3-3 | 3-3 |
| Difference | +7 | +7 |
| Goals scored/goals conceded | 14/7 | 15/8 |
The 9-0 victory was a testament to their attacking prowess, demonstrating the need for a large win, but the rules of the game exposed the harsh reality: scoring many goals is a strategic advantage in the group stage, especially when tie-breaking criteria are taken into account.
Impact and tactical boundaries
- Vietnam U22: Two early goals against Malaysia U22 showed their proactive approach in the opening stages – a factor that could be replicated against the Philippines U22 in the semi-finals. The publicly stated goal of reaching the final helps the team clearly define their tempo and manage risks.
- Top scorer race: Yotsakorn Burapha sets a new performance record with 5 goals in 2 matches, putting pressure on the remaining strikers, including Dinh Bac.
- Nam Dinh: A big win doesn't guarantee a place in the next round if performance isn't consistent throughout the group stage. The meticulous lesson about tie-breaking criteria serves as a reminder for future continental campaigns.
