Vietnam U17 player tested for doping after scoring equalizer against Japan

By Hieu Luong April 7, 2025 | 11:51 pm PT

Tran Gia Bao scores from the penalty spot to help Vietnam draw 1-1 with Japan at the U17 Asian Cup at Okadh Stadium, Saudi Arabia, on April 7, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Doan Huynh

A Vietnamese striker had to undergo a doping test after scoring the crucial goal that earned Vietnam a 1-1 draw against Japan in the last minute at the 2025 U17 Asian Cup.

At Okadh Stadium on Monday night, Tran Gia Bao came off the bench in the 66th minute to replace Nguyen Van Bach. Deep into stoppage time, he was fouled by the Japanese goalkeeper inside the penalty area, won the spot-kick and calmly converted it himself.

Immediately after the match, Bao, along with Hoang Trong Duy Khang, was selected for doping tests by the tournament organizers. Previously, no Vietnamese players had been required to undergo this procedure at the tournament.

There are typically two methods for doping control: the first involves notifying the team after the match and randomly selecting players for testing. The second is an unannounced visit to the players' location to collect samples.

Due to the high intensity of the match and dehydration, both Bao and Khang needed to rehydrate before they could provide samples. The process was completed quickly and the two players returned to the hotel shortly after that.

Born in 2008, Bao, a product of the Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) academy, has represented Vietnam at U15, U16 and U17 levels.

On Sept. 15, 2024, Bao came on as a substitute in the 73rd minute during HAGL's 4-0 victory over Quang Nam FC in the opening round of the V. League. In the 90th+2 minute, he seized an opportunity to score, becoming the youngest player in V. League history to debut and score, at just 16 years and 256 days old.

Khang, who netted the equalizer against U17 Australia at the Asian Cup on April 4, was also born in 2008, and currently trains at the Promotion Fund of Vietnamese Football Talent (PVF) Academy.

Known for his dribbling and finishing ability, Khang is considered one of the brightest talents in the U17 squad.

Hoang Trong Duy Khang (in red) during the match between Vietnam and Japan in the 2025 U17 Asian Cup. Photo by VnExpress/Doan Huynh

Hoang Trong Duy Khang (L) during the match between Vietnam and Japan in the 2025 U17 Asian Cup. Photo by VnExpress/Doan Huynh

Khang started both of Vietnam's opening matches at the U17 Asian Cup, playing 60 and 79 minutes respectively, while Bao came off the bench in both games, playing 30 and 24 minutes.

Bao's last-minute penalty secured Vietnam's first-ever draw against Japan at the U17 Asian Cup. Prior to this, Vietnam had lost all five of their encounters with Japan in the tournament.

The result keeps Vietnam's hopes of advancing alive, as they prepare for a decisive match against the UAE on April 10. In group B, Vietnam sit third with two points, trailing the UAE by one point and Japan by two.

The 2025 U17 Asian Cup takes place in Saudi Arabia from April 3 to 20. The 16 teams are divided into four groups and compete in a round-robin format. The four winners and four runners-up will advance to the quarterfinals and qualify for the U17 World Cup.