Vietnam overcome Laos to keep hold of Group F’s second place in Asian Cup qualifiers

Malaysia’s 1-0 win over Nepal on Nov. 18 had extended their lead to six points, making victory essential for Vietnam.

Despite dominating possession from the outset, Vietnam struggled to break through Laos’ compact defense in the first half. Several clear chances were missed, including efforts from Nguyen Tien Linh, Nguyen Hoang Duc, and a close-range opportunity sent over the bar in the 31st minute.

Laos, although under pressure, created moments of danger. Captain Bounphachan Bounkong forced an early save from goalkeeper Dang Van Lam after capitalizing on a defensive lapse in the third minute.

Vietnam made four substitutions at halftime, including the long-awaited return of naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son, who played his first national-team match in nearly a year after recovering from injury. His presence immediately added energy to the attack.

The breakthrough finally came in the 69th minute. After Tuan Hai’s cross struck the arm of a Laos defender inside the box, the referee awarded a penalty. Xuan Son stepped up and calmly sent the keeper the wrong way, putting Vietnam ahead 1-0.

Eight minutes later, Laos showed visible fatigue as several players went down with injuries, but the hosts still pushed forward and forced Van Lam into two saves from long-range efforts in the 86th minute.

Vietnam sealed the win in stoppage time. In the 90+3 minute, goalkeeper Anoulak Vilaphonh failed to claim an aerial ball, allowing Pham Tuan Hai to execute an acrobatic bicycle kick into an empty net, securing a 2-0 victory.

The result ensures Vietnam maintain control of second place, while Laos remain bottom of Group F with no points after five consecutive losses. Vietnam will play Malaysia next in March 2026.

 

 

Vietnam overcome Laos to keep hold of Group F’s second place in Asian Cup qualifiers

h/l Lào Việt Nam