Vietnam U20 find themselves in a difficult position in the 2027 AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers following a heavy 3-0 defeat to North Korea U20.

Coach Yutaka Ikeuchi’s side are currently bottom of Group C with no points and a goal difference of minus three.

From their current position, Vietnam not only risk missing out on the AFC U20 Asian Cup finals but are also among the lowest-performing teams and could be relegated to Group B unless they improve their results in the remaining two matches.

Despite playing their opening match at home at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho, Ikeuchi’s players struggled against North Korea U20.

The strength of their opponents was clear, but Vietnam also had problems of their own in organizing their play, defending and finishing chances.

Beyond the pressure to deliver results, Vietnam have suffered a significant personnel setback following their opening match.

Striker Le Phat has had to return to Ninh Binh FC to compete in the 2026/27 V-League and will be unable to remain with Vietnam U20 for the rest of the qualifying campaign.

Le Phat is one of the most experienced players in the Vietnam U20 squad. He has previously been called up to the senior national team and was part of the Vietnam U23 side that won bronze at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup.

Before that, he was also a member of the Vietnam U23 team that won gold at the 33rd SEA Games.

Le Phat’s departure leaves Ikeuchi with a difficult decision over how to reshape Vietnam’s attack at a time when victory over Palestine is essential to keep their hopes of advancing alive.

Palestine U20, who also lost their opening match, will be equally determined to secure a positive result in the second round of Group C.

“The tournament is not over yet. We still have opportunities ahead of us and will prepare as well as possible to go for victories in our two remaining matches,” Ikeuchi said.

The Vietnam U20 vs Palestine U20 match kicks off at 7 p.m. on September 3 at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho.

Dai Nam