Dinh Bac scored a late header to secure a 2-1 win for U23 Vietnam against U23 Cambodia in the final group match of the 2025 AFF U23 Championship. With this result, coach Kim Sang Sik’s side tops Group B and will face U23 Philippines in the semifinals.

Scorers:
U23 Vietnam: Ly Duc (35'), Dinh Bac (83')
U23 Cambodia: Mon Rado (62')

U23 Vietnam starting lineup:
Trung Kien, Ly Duc, Hieu Minh, Nhat Minh, Anh Quan, Phi Hoang (replaced by Thanh Dat 66'), Van Truong, Van Khang, Viktor Le (replaced by Dinh Bac 66'), Quoc Viet (replaced by Van Thuan 86'), Xuan Bac (replaced by Cong Phuong 71')

U23 Cambodia starting lineup:
Reth Lyheng, Tum Makara, Hout Vanneth, Kong Lyhourm, Hav Soknet, Lim Luca Thong, Vann Vit, Chou Sinti, Phat Sikha, Chanvibol David, Uk Devin

Match highlights:

The match kicked off with U23 Cambodia taking a proactive approach, pressing early despite being seen as the underdogs. U23 Vietnam gradually found rhythm and took the lead in the 35th minute when captain Khuat Van Khang delivered a pinpoint corner for Ly Duc, who rose high to head the ball past the Cambodian keeper.

U23 Cambodia managed to equalize in the 62nd minute through Mon Rado, who headed home powerfully from a corner, leaving keeper Trung Kien rooted to the spot.

Coach Kim Sang Sik made key substitutions in the second half, including bringing on Dinh Bac in the 66th minute. His impact was felt in the 83rd minute when he expertly headed a cross from the left into the far corner, restoring Vietnam’s lead.

Despite mounting pressure from Cambodia, U23 Vietnam held on to their advantage and secured top position in Group B.

The match also featured several missed opportunities, including a near goal by Anh Quan following a fumbled save in the 72nd minute and an earlier chance for Van Khang denied by Cambodian goalkeeper Hout Vanneth.

Prior to the kickoff, both teams observed a minute of silence in memory of the victims of a recent boat tragedy in Ha Long.

With this victory, U23 Vietnam advances confidently to the semifinals, where they will face U23 Philippines in the next stage of the regional championship.

Thien Binh