Kha Y Tran On January 16, 2026, U23 Vietnam faced U23 UAE in a thrilling quarterfinal at the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026. The match took place in front of thousands of passionate fans. Both teams delivered an exciting football spectacle.
However, despite facing a physically strong opponent, U23 Vietnam showed great determination and discipline. As a result, they secured a dramatic 3–2 win after extra time and earned a historic spot in the semifinals.
Watch the match highlights at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lypRP821MqM
Match Overview
- Tournament: AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026
- Stage: Quarterfinal
- Date: January 16, 2026
- Result: U23 Vietnam 3–2 U23 UAE (after extra time)
First Half: Vietnam Takes the Lead, UAE Responds
The match started at a high tempo. Initially, UAE used their physical advantage to press early. However, U23 Vietnam stayed calm and well organized.
In the 39th minute, Nguyen Dinh Bac made a brilliant run down the left flank. Then, he beat his marker and cut the ball inside. Nguyen Le Phat finished from close range to give Vietnam a 1–0 lead.
However, the advantage did not last long. Just three minutes later, U23 UAE equalized. From a precise cross on the right, Junior Salif Ndiaye rose high and headed into the net. Therefore, the first half ended 1–1.
Second Half: End-to-End Drama
After the break, the pace increased even more. In the 62nd minute, Dinh Bac once again caused problems for the defense. This time, he won an aerial duel and powered a header into the goal. Consequently, Vietnam took the lead again at 2–1.
However, UAE refused to give up. In the 68th minute, they struck back from a left-side delivery. Mansoor Saeed Al-Menhali jumped highest and headed home. As a result, the score was tied 2–2, and the match went to extra time.
Extra Time: The Decisive Moment
During extra time, both teams pushed hard. Every attack carried danger. Meanwhile, the pressure continued to rise.
In the 101st minute, chaos broke out in the UAE penalty area. Pham Minh Phuc showed great composure. He turned quickly and fired a low shot. The ball deflected off a defender and went in. Therefore, Vietnam led 3–2.
After that, U23 UAE attacked relentlessly. However, Vietnam’s defense stayed strong. In addition, the goalkeeper made key interventions. As a result, Vietnam protected the lead until the final whistle.
Historic Victory and Meaning
The match ended U23 Vietnam 3–2 U23 UAE, one of the most memorable games in Vietnamese youth football history. With this win, head coach Kim Sang-Sik and his players officially booked a place in the AFC U23 Asian Cup semifinals, recreating the heroic spirit of Changzhou 2018.
More importantly, this was the first time U23 Vietnam defeated U23 UAE at the continental level, marking a major breakthrough against a long-time rival.
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Quynh Bui 
