Cristiano Roland’s side entered the tournament carrying momentum after winning the ASEAN U17 Championship, but the continental stage presented a far sterner challenge. Facing a physically strong and aggressive Yemen team in the opening match, Vietnam showed confidence from the first whistle instead of retreating into a defensive setup.

The Southeast Asian side pressed high early and created dangerous situations through quick attacks down both flanks. Vietnam nearly opened the scoring in the sixth minute, but the final touch in front of goal lacked precision. Yemen responded through Haitham Al Faqih, whose effort drifted over the crossbar.

Vietnam continued to play with composure and energy throughout the first half. Dai Nhan caused problems with his movement and dribbling, while Nguyen Luc orchestrated attacks from midfield. Yemen also threatened on several occasions, forcing goalkeeper Ly Xuan Hoa into an excellent save midway through the opening period.

Despite the goalless scoreline at halftime, Vietnam looked the more proactive side. Roland’s players mixed aggressive pressing with rapid transitions, unsettling Yemen’s defensive structure and creating a series of promising openings.

The second half developed into an intense and physical contest, with Vietnam continuing to push forward despite heavy challenges from their opponents. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 77th minute.

Nguyen Luc delivered a superb long pass into space for substitute Quang Hung, who timed his run perfectly before calmly finishing across goalkeeper Wesam Al Asbahi to give Vietnam a deserved lead.

The goal reflected Vietnam’s persistence and tactical discipline after sustained pressure throughout the match. It also highlighted the team’s growing maturity, as they remained patient and composed while waiting for the decisive moment.

Vietnam almost doubled the advantage minutes later when Yemen’s defense struggled under pressure and a long-range attempt from midfield narrowly missed the target with the goalkeeper off his line.

Yemen pushed forward late in the match, but Vietnam defended with determination to preserve the narrow lead and secure all three points in their opening fixture.

The victory carried added significance after South Korea were held to a draw by the UAE in the other Group C match, leaving Vietnam temporarily top of the standings after the first round.

More importantly, the result ended Vietnam U17’s 10-year wait for a victory at the AFC U17 Asian Cup finals. The team’s previous win at the tournament came in 2016, when they defeated Kyrgyzstan 3-1 during a memorable campaign that also included a victory over Australia to reach the quarter-finals.

Since then, Vietnam’s U17 sides had struggled to progress beyond the group stage. However, recent performances against major Asian opponents suggested clear improvement, and the win over Yemen reinforced the belief that this generation could compete for a place at the FIFA U17 World Cup.

There was also a sense that the scoreline could have been more convincing. Vietnam created several dangerous chances throughout the match but lacked composure in key moments, particularly in the final third. Dai Nhan and his teammates repeatedly found space behind Yemen’s defense, only for the finishing touch to let them down.

Those missed opportunities ensured a nervy finish against a physically imposing opponent. Yet Vietnam’s ability to maintain concentration under pressure ultimately underlined the team’s progress under Roland.

The AFC later described the result as a crucial victory that “lit up Vietnam’s hopes” of reaching the knockout stage. The continental body noted that Vietnam’s positive approach and relentless pressure were rewarded through Quang Hung’s decisive strike.

With confidence growing and pressure easing after the opening win, Vietnam U17 now head into upcoming matches against South Korea and the UAE believing that a place in the quarter-finals - and a potential World Cup ticket - is within reach.

Duy Nguyen - Thien Binh