Vietnam U23 pulled off a major surprise by winning against Jordan U23.
The Vietnam U23 team created one of the most notable surprises in the opening match of Group A of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship, defeating Jordan U23 2-0. Against an opponent considered superior in both experience and form, coach Kim Sang Sik's team not only secured three points but also demonstrated their ambition to reach a higher level on the continental stage.
Entering their opening match, the Vietnam U23 team faced a major challenge against Jordan U23. This team had emerged as a top contender for a spot in the next round. The West Asian representative impressed in the qualifying rounds with a perfect winning record, an explosive attack, and an unbeaten streak in friendly matches against many formidable opponents. In this context, experts leaned towards Jordan having the upper hand. However, on the King Abdullah Sports City Hall pitch, those predictions were quickly challenged.
Immediately after the opening whistle, the Vietnam U23 team entered the match with confidence, proactively organizing their own game instead of retreating into deep defense. In the 2nd minute, captain Van Khang unleashed a powerful long-range shot after a combination with Le Phat, forcing goalkeeper Al Faluji to make a save.
In the following minutes, the game was fairly balanced. Jordan, with their superior physical fitness, continuously pushed forward, utilizing the speed of their wingers and aerial balls to create pressure. However, the U23 Vietnam defense held firm. The trio of central defenders, Ly Duc, Hieu Minh, and Nhat Minh, coordinated closely, providing tight cover and minimizing the operating space for the Jordanian strikers. Further up the field, the midfield played disciplined football, readily pressing and quickly transitioning when in possession.
The turning point of the first half came in the 11th minute. From a corner kick taken by Van Khang, the ball struck a Jordan player's hand inside the penalty area. After consulting VAR, referee Choi Hyun Jai did not hesitate to point to the penalty spot. From the 11-meter mark, Dinh Bac took a powerful and accurate shot, beating the opposing goalkeeper and opening the scoring in the 15th minute, giving the red-shirted team a crucial psychological advantage.
The conceded goal forced Jordan to push their formation higher. Between the 20th and 30th minutes, the West Asian representatives increased the pressure, constantly creating dangerous aerial situations in the penalty area. However, goalkeeper Trung Kien and the Vietnamese defense maintained high concentration, successfully neutralizing the opponent's attacks. Not only did they defend solidly, but the U23 Vietnam team also showed sharpness in counter-attacks. In the 29th minute, from a corner kick, Ly Duc rose high to head the ball, which bounced awkwardly off the ground, but unfortunately, it couldn't be converted into a goal.
While Jordan was still struggling to find an equalizer, Vietnam U23 unexpectedly delivered the decisive blow. In the 42nd minute, Van Khang again delivered a precise cross from a set piece, creating an opportunity for Hieu Minh to neatly finish at the far post, increasing the score to 2-0. Before the first half ended, Jordan had a chance to narrow the gap with a dangerous free-kick from Qashi, but the crossbar was there for Vietnam U23.
In the second half, Jordan pushed forward with the determination to find an early equalizer. However, the Vietnam U23 team did not get drawn into their opponent's style of play. The red-shirted team proactively defended in an organized manner, maintaining a reasonable distance between players and ready to counter-attack when opportunities arose. In the first 15 minutes of the second half, Jordan controlled the ball more but did not create any truly dangerous scoring opportunities.
As the match drew to a close, the pressure from the West Asian representatives intensified. However, Hieu Minh continued his outstanding performance, neutralizing most of the opponent's attacks. Coach Kim Sang Sik's substitutions in the 72nd minute, bringing on Quoc Cuong, Quoc Viet, and Anh Quan, helped the Vietnam U23 team maintain their solidity and necessary energy.
Jordan had a few notable opportunities, with Mahmoud's shot in the 67th minute being the most dangerous. Conversely, Vietnam U23 nearly scored a third goal in injury time when Quoc Cuong's thunderous long-range shot from over 25 meters hit the crossbar, much to the disappointment of the fans.
When the final whistle blew, Vietnam U23 secured a 2-0 victory. The three points against a higher-ranked opponent gave the red-shirted team a significant advantage in the race to qualify for the next round. A long road lies ahead, but their performance against Jordan U23 showed that Vietnam U23 has every reason to dream of new milestones at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship.
