Nguyen Dinh Bac’s 25th-minute goal gave Vietnam a 1-0 win over the Philippines in its opening Group B match at the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 on September 26. Coach Kim Sang Sik welcomed the three points but acknowledged that his team had been fortunate in a difficult match overshadowed by an injury to striker Nguyen Xuan Son.

Heavy rain delayed kickoff at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung, Indonesia, and left the pitch slippery. Vietnam was also without captain Nguyen Hoang Duc, making it harder for the midfield to play through the Philippines’ pressure.

The Philippines came close to taking the lead in the 23rd minute when Schneider struck the crossbar from outside the penalty area. Two minutes later, Le Pham Thanh Long sent Lee Williams Minh Hoang into the box. Minh Hoang’s cross deflected off a defender and fell to Dinh Bac, who scored the game’s only goal.

Vietnam defended its lead as the Philippines applied more pressure after halftime. Dinh Bac missed a chance to double the advantage, while goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang made several important saves, including a late stop from a close-range header.

Video review ruled out a Philippines goal in the 83rd minute for offside after Nishioka turned in a cross from Reyes. VAR had earlier overturned a red card shown to the Philippines’ Nyholm following a challenge on substitute Ngo Dang Khoa.

“I’m happy with this win. I congratulate the whole team and thank the fans who came to support us,” Kim said afterward. “Vietnam was somewhat lucky to beat the Philippines. Both teams made it an entertaining match. We started better, but the Philippines also played well.”

Philippines coach Carles Cuadrat believed his team deserved a point.

“We didn’t deserve to lose. A 0-0 score would have been fairer,” he said, citing the shot that struck the woodwork and the disallowed goal. Cuadrat praised Vietnam’s defending and the quality of its players, while saying the Philippines had created chances against one of the tournament favorites.

Xuan Son injury concerns Vietnam

Xuan Son limped off in the 60th minute, with Nguyen Hai Long replacing him. Kim said he had initially thought the striker had suffered a muscle strain and decided to take him off. He later expressed sadness over what he described as a calf muscle tear.

“Xuan Son is extremely important to the team, both in his contribution on the field and in the numbers he produces,” Kim said. He sought to reassure the striker that the injury should not seriously affect his playing career, adding that other players would have to fill the gap during his absence.

Kim also praised Minh Hoang, who started on his Vietnam debut, calling the young player energetic and an important prospect for the team. He singled out Le Giang and Dinh Bac as well, but said every player had given his best.

The AFC Asian Cup social media page marked Vietnam’s victory with a message congratulating the team on taking its first three points of the tournament.

Vietnam next faces Thailand at 7:30 p.m. on September 29. Kim said he had watched Thailand play Pakistan and expected a demanding match against a technically strong opponent.

“Thailand has always been a strong team, as past tournaments have shown,” he said. “Vietnam must prepare as well as possible.”

Dai Nam - Thien Binh