Vietnam retains top spot in U23 Asian Cup following Saudi Arabia's narrow win over Kyrgyzstan

Despite playing with a man advantage for more than an hour, the defending 2022 champions struggled to break down a resilient Kyrgyzstan defense until late in the match. This narrow margin of victory ensures that Vietnam remains at the top of Group A on goal difference following their earlier 2-0 win over Jordan.

Saudi Arabia, a powerhouse that have participated in every edition of the tournament, faced a Kyrgyzstan side making their historic debut. As expected, the home team dominated with 75% possession and 23 shots. The Saudi players utilized superior technical skill to keep Kyrgyzstan under constant pressure, often forcing the visitors to lose possession after less than five passes. However, Kyrgyzstan's tenacity nearly caused an upset for the host.

Rakan Al Ghamdi celebrates his 88th-minute goal for Saudi Arabia against Kyrgyzstan in the U23 Asian Cup group stage match on Jan. 6, 2026. Photo by SaudiNT

Saudi Arabia faced an early disadvantage when key striker Abdullah Radif was forced off with an injury in the 10th minute and was replaced by Majed Abdullah. The host bombarded goalkeeper Sultan Nurlanbekov’s goal, yet the clinical edge of Radif was absent.

The match reached a turning point in the 34th minute when Kyrgyzstan was reduced to 10 men. Following a VAR review, Chinese referee Fu Ming issued a straight red card to Arsen Sharshenbekov for a dangerous challenge on Abdulaziz Al Elewai. The decision left Sharshenbekov in tears and drew a protest from coach Edmar De Lacerda, who labeled the dismissal as harsh.

Despite the disadvantage, Kyrgyzstan maintained tight in defense. Nurlanbekov was exceptional, winning every aerial duel and producing a string of saves to deny Faris Al Ghamdi, Rakan Al Ghamdi and Abdulaziz.

With no other choice, Saudi coach Luigi Di Biagio had to use Musab Al Juwayr, the team's biggest star, in the 64th minute. Al Juwayr's impact was clear, though he initially fumbled after his 74th-minute penalty, awarded for a handball by Arslan Bekberdinov, was brilliantly saved by Nurlanbekov.

The deadlock was finally broken in the closing stages by a moment of individual brilliance. Al Juwayr redeemed his penalty miss by dancing through the defense before making a clever through-ball to Rakan Al Ghamdi, who finished into the bottom corner. The players rushed to celebrate the late goal, while Di Biagio punched the air to relieve the pressure.

In the ninth minute of stoppage time, Kyrgyzstan almost found the equalizer as Baybol Ermekov nearly scored from the center circle after catching goalkeeper Hamed Al Shanqiti out of position. However, the long-range effort went over the bar.

While Kyrgyzstan suffered a narrow defeat, their spirited performance suggests they will be a tough opponent in their next match against Vietnam on Friday, while Saudi Arabia will face Jordan.

If Vietnam and Saudi Arabia secure victories in the second round, both teams will advance to the quarterfinals with one match to spare in the group stage.