Vietnam Upsets South Korea in AFC U-23 Clash
The AFC U-23 Asian Cup witnessed a historic clash on January 24, 2026, as Vietnam triumphed over South Korea in a dramatic penalty shootout. After a 2-2 draw at King Abdullah Sports City Hall in Jeddah, Vietnam secured victory by winning 7-6 on penalties. This marked the first time in football history that South Korea lost to Vietnam at the U-23 level.
Match Overview
South Korea entered the match with high expectations, having dominated possession with 60% and taking 32 shots, compared to Vietnam’s mere 5 attempts. Despite this advantage, South Korea struggled to score, showcasing a resilient defense from the Vietnamese team.
Key Moments
- First Half: Vietnam took the lead in the 30th minute when Nguyen Quoc Viet scored from a cutback by Nguyen Dinh Bac.
- Penalty Review: South Korea was denied a penalty after a VAR review overturned the initial decision.
- Second Half Changes: Lee Min-sung made substitutions that injected urgency into the South Korean lineup.
Vietnam extended their lead just minutes after South Korea equalized. Dinh Bac curled in a free-kick to put Vietnam ahead 2-1. However, South Korea equalized again in stoppage time, with Shin Min-ha scoring deep into the match.
Second Extra Time and Penalties
Despite having a one-man advantage due to Dinh Bac’s red card, South Korea couldn’t capitalize and the score remained 2-2 after extra time. The penalty shootout proved to be tense. Both teams converted their first five penalties, but South Korea’s Bae Hyun-seo missed his attempt in the seventh round. Nguyen Thanh Nhan then scored the winning penalty for Vietnam.
Post-Match Reflections
Lee Min-sung expressed disappointment, emphasizing the team’s missed opportunities. The loss raised concerns about South Korea’s future direction following a fourth-place finish in the tournament.
Conversely, Vietnam celebrated a significant achievement, marking their best finish since securing the runner-up position in 2018. Coach Kim Sang-sik’s strategy and leadership were pivotal in this historic victory.
Looking Ahead
The focus will now shift to upcoming challenges for both teams, including preparations for the 2028 Olympics and the next AFC U-23 Asian Cup in September 2027. For South Korea, this defeat serves as a crucial moment for reevaluation, while Vietnam revels in a memorable victory for their national football history.
