Vietnam U16 came from behind to secure a thrilling 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia U16, thanks to a brilliant performance by Quang Khoi and a sensational free-kick by Nguyen Luc in the final matchday of the CFA Team China U16 International Tournament 2025.

Despite being the underdogs, Vietnam U16 faced an early barrage from the higher-rated Saudi team, who applied intense pressing from the start. In the 23rd minute, Abdullah Al Dawsari capitalized on a defensive error to fire a precise shot that opened the scoring.

Unfazed by the setback, the Vietnamese side under coach Cristiano Roland quickly regained composure and re-established control of the game. In the 29th minute, Quang Khoi soared to meet a cross with a powerful header, leveling the score at 1-1.

In the second half, Saudi Arabia was awarded a penalty in the 61st minute. However, luck favored Vietnam as the shot struck the crossbar and bounced out.

The match’s turning point came in the 83rd minute when substitute Chu Nguyen Ngoc Luc stepped up for a free-kick from around 20 meters out. His sublime strike left the Saudi goalkeeper rooted, sealing a dramatic 2-1 win for Vietnam.

Vietnam concluded the CFA Team China U16 International Tournament 2025 with one win (2-1 against Saudi Arabia), one draw (2-2 with host China), and one loss (1-2 against Australia). The team finished with 4 points, level with host China but ranked below due to goal difference (4/3 vs. 5/5). Vietnam’s chance to finish second depends on the outcome of the China-Australia clash later that evening at 18:35.

Vietnam will secure second place if Australia wins 1-0 or by a margin of two or more goals. If Australia wins 2-1, the ranking will be determined by fair-play criteria. A 3-2 or similar narrow high-scoring win for Australia would see China retain second place due to a superior goal tally.

Goals:

Vietnam U16: Quang Khoi (34'), Nguyen Luc (78')
Saudi Arabia U16: Abdullah Al Dawsari (24')

Starting line-ups:

Vietnam U16: Ba Huan, Manh Cuong, Xuan Toan, Dang Khoa, Quy Vuong, Tuan Anh, Minh Thuy, Le Dinh Vy, Van Duong, Sy Bach, Quang Khoi

Saudi Arabia U16: Mousa Al Eid, Marouane, Adel-Halsi, Salman, Jawad-Hashim, Tamim, Eid-Shaheen, Mubarak, Turki, Ali-Elmaqi, Faisal-Bayoumi

Thien Binh