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By Hieu Luong  May 6, 2026 | 04:20 pm PT
Vietnam defeated Yemen 1-0 in their opening Group C match at the 2026 U17 Asian Cup early Thursday at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Saudi Arabia.
Goal: Quang Hung 77'
The match featured two teams that had both topped their qualifying groups with perfect records of five wins from five matches. The game was played at a high tempo, with both sides creating attacking opportunities but employing contrasting styles.
Yemen relied on quick transitions and individual dribbling ability to break through Vietnam's defensive lines. In the 10th minute, Haitham Al Faqih had a clear chance inside the penalty area but sent his shot narrowly wide of the right post. He had another opportunity in the 25th minute following a rebound from a long-range effort, but his left-footed attempt went over the crossbar.
In the 12th minute, Vietnam's Le Sy Bach made a run down the right flank before delivering a cross that led to a shot from Le Trong Dai Nhan, which went wide. Five minutes later, Nguyen Luc played a free-kick pass into space behind Yemen's defense, but Nhan's subsequent effort again missed the target.
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Vietnam's midfielder Dao Quy Vuong (number 6) holds his face in regret after missing a chance in Vietnam's 1-0 victory over Yemen in the U17 Asian Cup at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Saudi Arabia on May 7, 2026. Photo by VnExpress/Doan Huynh |
Vietnam then focused on defending their advantage for the remainder of the match. Yemen introduced multiple substitutes in an attempt to increase attacking pressure but were unable to seriously threaten the Vietnamese goal.
At full time, Vietnam secured their first victory at the U17 Asian Cup since 2016, ending a run of draws and defeats at the tournament. The result places them top of Group C after the opening round.
In the group's other match, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates drew 1-1. The UAE took the lead through Butti Al Jneibi in the 8th minute before South Korea equalized in the 88th minute via Ahn Joo-wan.
Vietnam will face South Korea in their next match on May 10, followed by a game against the United Arab Emirates three days later.
