Vietnam U23s edge Kyrgyzstan to stay perfect at AFC U23 Asian Cup

The result left Vietnam on six points from two matches and in strong position to advance.

Vietnam took the lead in the first half through a penalty converted by Khuat Van Khang after a Kyrgyz defender committed a foul in the box while attempting to clear a corner delivery.

Kyrgyzstan equalized shortly before half-time when Marlen Murzakhmatov capitalized on a misplaced pass in Vietnam's defensive half, firing a long-range shot past goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien to make it 1-1.

The second half was closely contested, with both sides pushing for a decisive goal but creating few clear chances as midfield battles intensified.

Vietnam regained the lead in the 88th minute from another set piece. 

A corner from the left was headed by Le Van Thuan, with the ball deflecting off defender Khristiyan Brauzman and into the net beyond goalkeeper Kurmanbek Nurlanbekov.

Kyrgyzstan were unable to find an equalizer in stoppage time as Vietnam defended with discipline to preserve the victory.

Vietnam had earlier opened their campaign with a 2-0 win in their first group-stage match against Jordan and remain unbeaten heading into their final Group A fixture.

The 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup, held in Saudi Arabia from January 6 to 24, features four groups of four teams, with the top two in each group advancing to the quarterfinals.

Vietnam are in Group A with hosts Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Kyrgyzstan.

They have yet to clinch a place in the knockout stage after hosts Saudi Arabia suffered a surprise 2-3 defeat at the hands of Jordan later on Friday.