Late goal gives Vietnam win over China in Panda Cup opener

Vietnam's Nguyen Thanh Nhan misses out on a chance to score for Vietnam against China at Panda Cup on Nov. 12, 2025. Photo by Panda Cup

The victory at Shuangliu Stadium in Chengdu provides a strong start for coach Dinh Hong Vinh's team as this is their final preparation for SEA Games 33 in Thailand next month.

In the match at Shuangliu Stadium in Chengdu, Sichuan, China pushed forward early, forcing several crucial saves from 20-year-old Vietnamese goalkeeper Cao Van Binh. His best moment came in the 17th minute with a flying save to deny a difficult shot from Wang Bohao.

Vietnam grew into the game and created two significant chances just before halftime, but Nguyen Thanh Nhan was denied by the China keeper from a narrow angle and Khuat Van Khang’s shot was wide of the post.

The decisive goal came in the 81st minute. Le Van Thuan, another substitute, made a run on the left flank and delivered a low cross. A China defender missed the clearance, allowing Minh Phuc to rush in and tap the ball into the net from close range.

Vietnam nearly doubled the lead three minutes after scoring. Bui Vi Hao broke into the penalty area and appeared to be clearly pushed down from behind by center-back Liu Haofan, but the referee waved away despite strong appeals from players, much to the frustration of coach Hong Vinh.

The 1-0 win marks the second time Vietnam have defeated China at the U23 level at their home ground, following a 2-0 friendly win in 2019.

In a similar tournament in March, a late equalizer from China denied Vietnam the title, ending the match 1-1.

The victory places Vietnam second in the four-team tournament, trailing South Korea, which defeated Uzbekistan 2-0 earlier. Vietnam will face South Korea on Nov. 15 and Uzbekistan on Nov. 18.

 

 

Late goal gives Vietnam win over China in Panda Cup opener

U22 Trung Quốc 0-1 U22 Việt Nam