Vietnam’s U17 national football team has officially qualified for the 2025 U17 Asian Cup following a 1-1 draw against Yemen in their final qualifying match on October 27. A victory by Myanmar over Kyrgyzstan further bolstered Vietnam’s standings, making them one of the top-ranked second-place teams eligible to advance.

As the match kicked off, Yemen had the upper hand, capitalizing on a midfield turnover to score the opening goal. In the 12th minute, Abdulatef netted the first goal for Yemen following a well-timed pass from his teammate, putting Vietnam on the defensive early in the game.

After conceding, Vietnam's U17 raised their game to seek an equalizer. By the 30th minute, amidst a scramble in Yemen’s penalty area, Captain Le Huy Viet Anh seized the opportunity, scoring from close range to level the score at 1-1.

In the second half, both teams played cautiously, opting for a more defensive approach, with the ball largely staying in midfield. Content with the current score, both sides refrained from aggressive attacks, and the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

With 4 points from their group matches, Vietnam’s U17 team finished in second place but secured their place in the 2025 U17 Asian Cup by ranking higher than five other second-placed teams. Yemen, with 7 points, topped Group I, advancing as group leaders.

Coach Cristiano Roland’s reflections

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Coach Cristiano Roland. Photo: ND

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Coach Cristiano Roland and the U17 Vietnam team celebrate overcoming challenging matches. Photo: VFF

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Vietnam’s U17 team celebrates their qualification for the Asian Cup Finals. Photo: VFF

Head Coach Cristiano Roland expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishment, stating, "Our goal was to progress through the qualifiers, which was our primary focus. I’m thrilled with the outcome, and from the very beginning, I believed in my players, who absolutely deserve this result."

The coach also acknowledged the importance of Myanmar's win, which aided Vietnam’s qualifying chances. "The victory by Myanmar was a crucial factor in our calculations. Every player gave their best. We understood what was necessary to control the game, and the most important thing is that U17 Vietnam has reached the finals," he added.

Roland emphasized his role in selecting the best players for each match, valuing adaptability, a thirst for learning, and hard work among his players. "Youth football is unpredictable, and it's essential for us to adapt and prepare for all scenarios," he commented.

"My players are intelligent and know how to manage the game to achieve our goal of reaching the Asian Cup finals. I want to thank the fans who have supported U17 Vietnam. Each game, the stands were filled with supporters, and we are immensely grateful," concluded Coach Cristiano Roland.

Dai Nam