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The match kicked off with Indonesia controlling possession early, creating some dangerous opportunities from throw-ins and set pieces. However, Vietnam's disciplined defense, led by goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien, thwarted multiple attempts, including two critical saves around the 30th minute that kept the scoreline goalless.
Indonesia’s physical approach was clear, resulting in several yellow cards. Captain Kadek Arel received the second booking of the game in the 14th minute after pulling Cong Phuong’s shirt to prevent a forward attack, foreshadowing a physically intense contest. VAR was used to review fouls, and referee Takasaki Koji issued several cautions, including to Indonesian players Rayhan Hannan and others who committed fouls in the early stages.
Vietnam responded with promising attacks, including a near miss by Nguyen Van Truong, whose header narrowly missed the post in the 25th minute.
The breakthrough arrived just before halftime. From a corner, the ball flicked off two players’ heads before falling to Nguyen Cong Phuong, who executed a breathtaking volley that beat keeper Muhammad Ardiansyah and sent the Vietnamese bench into celebration.
The second half saw Indonesia pushing hard to equalize. They brought on fresh attackers like Hokky Caraka and Achmad Maulana, increasing the tempo and pressing Vietnam’s defense. But the visitors adapted by deploying substitutes Viktor Le and Le Van Thuan to bolster their counter-attacks and maintain control.
The match grew increasingly heated after a foul by Vo Anh Quan led to a yellow card and provoked a scuffle between the players. Despite the tension, Vietnam held firm.
In the final minutes, Indonesia's frustration showed. An assistant coach stormed into the Vietnam coaching area and was promptly sent off. Vietnam’s coach Kim Sang-sik also received a yellow card for protesting extended stoppage time. Vietnam goalkeeper Trung Kien was booked for time-wasting, illustrating Indonesia’s desperation to force a draw.
After 90 minutes plus stoppage time, the referee blew the final whistle, confirming Vietnam as champions for the third consecutive ASEAN U23 tournament.
Players from both sides showed sportsmanship after the match with handshakes and embraces, putting the earlier on-field tensions aside.
ASEAN U23 Championship final: Vietnam 1-0 Indonesia
