Vietnam beat Laos in AFF Cup opener

By Hoang Nguyen    DEC. 6, 2021

A 2-0 win against Laos secured defending champions Vietnam the first three points at the 2020 AFF Cup Championship.

Vietnam's two goals were scored by Nguyen Cong Phuong in the 26th minute and Phan Van Duc in the 55th.

They dominated the game from the beginning, but wasted many chances, including a penalty awarded in the 72nd minute after Laos committed handball. Vu Van Thanh took the shot but it was too easy for Laos keeper Souvannasangso.

Rising talent Nguyen Hoang Duc made several beautiful attempts but they lacked accuracy.

Laos's attacks mainly came from striker Billy Ketkeophomphone, who is playing for French club Dunkerque, but they also lacked power and accuracy.

Vietnam's victory was expected given the two teams' big difference in FIFA ranking.

Yet it served as a boost for Vietnamese players' mentality, following a series of seven losses at the World Cup qualilifers.

Vietnam will continue their AFF Cup run on Sunday, facing Malaysia.

AFF Cup: Vietnam 2-0 Laos

 
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